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Chehalis City Zoning Code

Division V

LAND USE ZONES ZONING

[1]
See CMC § 17.09.205 for standards and criteria.

_0

§ 17.42.001 Intent.

The intent of the R-1 zone is to provide an area for development of low density single-family residences with relatively larger lot sizes and adequate public facilities, and with zoning controls designed to protect the residential living environment. Conditional uses are limited and must protect the residential character of the zone.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.42.010 Uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the R-1 zone shall be those uses listed as “permitted” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), and in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
B. 
Conditional uses in the R-1 zone shall be those uses listed as “conditional” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), or in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
C. 
Accessory uses and temporary uses listed in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, are allowed in an R-1 zone if they are consistent with all applicable provisions of this title.
D. 
Uses which are not listed as permitted, accessory, temporary, conditional or prohibited in the R-1 zone, and which are not listed as prohibited in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title) or special district (Division IV of this title), may be submitted as conditional use applications consistent with CMC § 17.09.185. Such applications shall not be approved unless the applicant demonstrates consistency with all applicable review and approval criteria.
E. 
All uses in an R-1 zone shall occur, or be contained, within development consistent with CMC § 17.42.020 and all other applicable provisions of this title, including the building and fire codes.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.42.020 Bulk regulations (R-1 zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Minimum Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Minimum Alley Setback
DU Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
10 acres of contiguous residential zones
7,500 sq. ft.
75' except a flag lot may have 12' of frontage
50%
35'
20'
5'
5'
4/6 units/acre
Accessory
—
If residential unit, 12,000 sq. ft.; otherwise 7,500 sq. ft.
—
25%
35'
20'
5'
0' if vehicle access parallel to, or not from, alley; otherwise 5'
4/6 units/acre
Condition-al
—
—
—
50%
35'
20'
5'
5'
4/6 units/acre
Temporary
—
7,500 sq. ft.
75'
50%
35'
20'
5'
5'
4/6 units/acre
Notes:
A.
Minimum DU density is calculated on the zone; maximum DU density is calculated on the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 750B § 11, 2003; Ord. 978B § 1, 2017; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.42.030 Parking and loading.

A. 
All development and uses shall be consistent with the general requirements of Chapter 17.84 CMC and the specific requirements of this section.
B. 
Residential parking spaces for six or fewer passenger vehicles may be developed adjacent to a public alley; provided, that no parking space occurs within any street setback area.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.42.040 Fences, walls, and hedges.

A. 
Fences within any street setback area shall be limited to:
1. 
Forty-two inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is more than 50 percent opaque;
2. 
Forty-eight inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is 50 percent or less opaque.
B. 
Fences which are not located within any street setback area shall be limited to seven feet high above adjacent grade.
C. 
No residential fence shall contain barbed wire, broken glass, electricity, or any other hazardous material or substance.
D. 
Where a legally established use exists requiring the containment of farm animals or livestock, barbed wire or an electric fence may be used; provided, that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property, and warning signs are posted consistent with CMC § 17.42.110.
E. 
Swimming pools shall require a minimum five-foot-high fence, but not more than six feet high, completely surrounding and securing the area of the pool. Such fence shall not be located within any street setback area. Portions of such a fence need not be provided where a secure building will accomplish the same manner of access and/or control as a fence.
F. 
Retaining walls shall be located entirely upon private property except where required by the public works director to protect public property.
G. 
A retaining wall shall not project higher than six inches above the higher adjacent grade except when it is a structural element of a building or structure.
H. 
Retaining walls which are higher than four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall shall comply with applicable provisions of the building code, including permit requirements.
I. 
Retaining walls which serve as a structural element of any building or structure shall comply with the applicable provisions of the building code.
J. 
A hedge shall comply with the requirements for a fence; provided, hedges which are not located within a street setback, and do not otherwise constitute a traffic visibility obstruction on any right-of-way or alley, or any public nuisance condition, are not limited in height.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 961B § 1, 2016; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.42.050 Accessory building.

A. 
All permitted accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 17.42.020.
B. 
An accessory building shall comply with all applicable building code requirements for the permitted use or occupancy.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.42.060 Projections into public right-of-way.

No part of any development may project into or over any public right-of-way except driveway construction and/or utility construction consistent with the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.42.070 Landscape requirements.

A. 
No unprotected earth or soil shall be permitted to remain on site subsequent to construction or development. All filling, grading and/or excavating activity shall comply with applicable provisions of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the development engineering standards for protection of public water supply systems (crossconnection control) and shall be designed so that surface water generated by such an irrigation system shall not flow onto public property or any wetland, except within an approved storm water management system.
C. 
Site development and landscaping shall maintain an approved means of egress as specified in the building code from the primary exit from any habitable structure to a public right-of-way or alley.
D. 
Landscape plantings and/or ground cover may be of any type to prevent erosion of soil from the site; provided, only naturally occurring and/or noninvasive species of vegetation may be planted or allowed to grow within a wetland or wetland buffer.
E. 
Nonresidential development which may be permitted shall provide landscaping consistent with the requirements of CMC § 17.57.070.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.42.080 Essential services/utilities.

A. 
Essential services for any proposed development shall be available to serve such development prior to occupancy. Essential services which the city determines cannot be made available prior to such occupancy shall cause the city to deny issuance of all development permits for such development.
B. 
Required utility service (water, sewer, storm water) for any development shall be approved by the public works director prior to issuance of any development permits.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.42.090 Off-site improvements.

Any off-site improvements required by the development engineering standards for the specific development proposal shall become an integral part of the development proposal and shall be reviewed and approved by the DRC as part of the proposal. The public works director may require a separate permit application for work upon a public right-of-way consistent with Chapter 17.93 CMC and/or the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.42.100 Special provisions.

A. 
Conditional Use – Duplex Development. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for a duplex dwelling development in an R-1 zone:
1. 
The subject property shall be located:
a. 
Adjacent to an arterial street (CMC § 17.06.210); or
b. 
Within 100 feet of a nonresidential zone.
2. 
The subject property shall contain a minimum of 12,000 square feet of area.
B. 
Conditional Use – Nonresidential Development. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for any nonresidential development in an R-1 zone:
1. 
The subject property shall be located:
a. 
Adjacent to an arterial street (CMC § 17.06.210); or
b. 
Within 100 feet of a nonresidential zone.
2. 
SEPA categorical exemptions shall not be applicable. All conditional use proposals for nonresidential development within an R-1 zone shall require a SEPA checklist, required application fee and compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 17.15 CMC, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including mitigating conditions.
3. 
Any approved development with an occupant load of 100 or more persons shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an adjacent arterial street within 300 feet of such occupancy. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards.
C. 
Excavation or grading of any development site which involves both:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area; and
2. 
Transportation of any excavated or graded material to any off-site location;
shall require an application to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a surface mining reclamation permit and compliance with any conditions of approval for such permit unless the DNR advises the city in writing that such permit is not required for the subject proposal.
D. 
Incidental Sales (e.g., Garage Sales).
1. 
Shall not occur for more than four consecutive days per sale;
2. 
Shall not occur more frequently than quarterly (at least 90 days between such sales);
3. 
Shall not involve the sale or other disposition of toxic, hazardous, or dangerous substances or chemicals, or flammable or combustible liquids;
4. 
Shall not occur on any public right-of-way;
5. 
Shall not create any public nuisance or traffic hazard; and
6. 
Shall not constitute a home occupation.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B §§ 9, 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.42.110 Signs.

A. 
All signs shall comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 17.86 CMC, Signs (General), and shall require a sign construction permit unless specifically exempted.
B. 
Address numbers required by CMC § 17.83.090 shall not be considered to be a sign.
C. 
Permanent Signs.
1. 
Are limited to two square feet in area;
2. 
Sign copy is limited to any combination of the following:
a. 
Situs address of the property;
b. 
Name(s) of the residential occupants of the property;
c. 
Business name of one approved home occupation;
3. 
Are limited to one sign per street frontage;
4. 
Shall be wall signs mounted only upon the wall of the principal building.
D. 
Temporary Signs.
1. 
Shall be displayed for not longer than three consecutive days in any 90-day period;
2. 
Are limited to two square feet in area.
E. 
Political Signs.
1. 
Shall not be publicly displayed by a candidate for public office prior to the public announcement that the candidate is running for a particular office;
2. 
Shall be removed within 10 days after the date of the election for the candidate or issue being advertised on such sign.
F. 
Real Estate Signs.
1. 
Are limited to six square feet in area and six feet in height;
2. 
Shall be removed within 10 days of the date of closing the sale of the advertised property.
G. 
Warning Signs (Private Property).
1. 
Shall be installed whenever a person upon any public property, right-of-way or adjacent private property could become endangered or injured by virtue of any development activity on private property;
2. 
Shall identify with reasonable specificity what activity or condition may be dangerous to a person on public property (e.g., dangerous dog, barbed wire fence, falling debris, trucks unloading, etc.).
H. 
Warning Signs (Public Property).
1. 
Shall be installed when and where required by the director of public works.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.42.120 Hazardous waste.

A. 
Hazardous waste generation facilities shall not be permitted.
B. 
Hazardous waste storage facilities shall not be permitted.
C. 
Hazardous waste treatment facilities shall not be permitted.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 23, 2025)

§ 17.45.001 Intent.

The intent of the R-2 zone is to provide an area for development of a higher density of single-family residences than the R-1 zone, including relatively smaller lot sizes with adequate public facilities. Zoning controls are designed to protect the residential living environment and provide for a variety of conditional uses under special or unique circumstances.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.45.010 Uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the R-2 zone shall be those uses listed as “permitted” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), and in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
B. 
Conditional uses in the R-2 zone shall be those uses listed as “conditional” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), or in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
C. 
Accessory uses and temporary uses listed in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, are allowed in an R-2 zone if they are consistent with all applicable provisions of this title.
D. 
Uses which are not listed as permitted, accessory, temporary, conditional or prohibited in the R-2 zone, and which are not listed as prohibited in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title) or special district (Division IV of this title), may be submitted as conditional use applications consistent with CMC § 17.09.185. Such applications shall not be approved unless the applicant demonstrates consistency with all applicable review and approval criteria.
E. 
All uses in an R-2 zone shall occur, or be contained, within development consistent with CMC § 17.45.020 and all other applicable provisions of this title, including the building and fire codes.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.45.020 Bulk regulations (R-2 zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Minimum Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Minimum Alley Setback
DU Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
10 acres of contiguous residential zones
5,000 sq. ft.
50' except a flag lot may have 12' of frontage
60%
35'
20'
5'
5'
4/10 units/acre
Accessory
—
If residential unit, 7,500 sq. ft.; otherwise 5,000 sq. ft.
—
25%
35'
20'
5'
0' if vehicle access parallel to, or not from, alley; otherwise 5'
4/10 units/acre
Condition-al
—
—
—
60%
35'
20'
5'
5'
4/10 units/acre
Tempor-ary
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
60%
35'
20'
5'
5'
4/10 units/acre
Notes:
A.
Minimum DU density is calculated on the zone; maximum DU density is calculated on the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 750B § 12, 2003; Ord. 978B § 1, 2017; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.45.030 Parking and loading.

A. 
All development and uses shall be consistent with the general requirements of Chapter 17.84 CMC and the specific requirements of this section.
B. 
Residential parking spaces for six or fewer passenger vehicles may be developed adjacent to a public alley; provided, that no parking space occurs within any street setback area.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.45.040 Fences, walls, and hedges.

A. 
Fences within any street setback area shall be limited to:
1. 
Forty-two inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is more than 50 percent opaque;
2. 
Forty-eight inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is 50 percent or less opaque.
B. 
Fences which are not located within any street setback area shall be limited to seven feet high above adjacent grade.
C. 
No residential fence shall contain barbed wire, broken glass, electricity, or any other hazardous material or substance.
D. 
Where a legally established use exists requiring the containment of farm animals or livestock, barbed wire or an electric fence may be used; provided, that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property, and warning signs are posted consistent with CMC § 17.45.110.
E. 
Swimming pools shall require a minimum five-foot-high fence, but not more than six feet high, completely surrounding and securing the area of the pool. Such fence shall not be located within any street setback area. Portions of such a fence need not be provided where a secure building will accomplish the same manner of access and/or control as a fence.
F. 
Retaining walls shall be located entirely upon private property except where required by the public works director to protect public property.
G. 
A retaining wall shall not project higher than six inches above the higher adjacent grade except when it is a structural element of a building or structure.
H. 
Retaining walls which are higher than four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall shall comply with applicable provisions of the building code, including permit requirements.
I. 
Retaining walls which serve as a structural element of any building or structure shall comply with the applicable provisions of the building code.
J. 
A hedge shall comply with the requirements for a fence; provided, hedges which are not located within a street setback, and do not otherwise constitute a traffic visibility obstruction on any right-of-way or alley, or any public nuisance condition, are not limited in height.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 961B § 2, 2016; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.45.050 Accessory building.

A. 
All permitted accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 17.45.020.
B. 
An accessory building shall comply with all applicable building code requirements for the permitted use or occupancy.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.45.060 Projections into public right-of-way.

No part of any development may project into or over any public right-of-way except driveway construction and/or utility construction consistent with the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.45.070 Landscape requirements.

A. 
No unprotected earth or soil shall be permitted to remain on site subsequent to construction or development. All filling, grading and/or excavating activity shall comply with applicable provisions of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the development engineering standards for protection of public water supply systems (crossconnection control) and shall be designed so that surface water generated by such an irrigation system shall not flow onto public property or any wetland, except within an approved storm water management system.
C. 
Site development and landscaping shall maintain an approved means of egress as specified in the building code from the primary exit from any habitable structure to a public right-of-way or alley.
D. 
Landscape plantings and/or ground cover may be of any type to prevent erosion of soil from the site; provided, only naturally occurring and/or noninvasive species of vegetation may be planted or allowed to grow within a wetland or wetland buffer.
E. 
Nonresidential development which may be permitted shall provide landscaping consistent with the requirements of CMC § 17.57.070.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.45.080 Essential services/utilities.

A. 
Essential services for any proposed development shall be available to serve such development prior to occupancy. Essential services which the city determines cannot be made available prior to such occupancy shall cause the city to deny issuance of all development permits for such development.
B. 
Required utility service (water, sewer, storm water) for any development shall be approved by the public works director prior to issuance of any development permits.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.45.090 Off-site improvements.

Any off-site improvements required by the development engineering standards for the specific development proposal shall become an integral part of the development proposal and shall be reviewed and approved by the DRC as part of the proposal. The public works director may require a separate permit application for work upon a public right-of-way consistent with Chapter 17.93 CMC and/or the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.45.100 Special provisions.

A. 
Conditional Use – Duplex Development. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for a duplex dwelling development in an R-2 zone:
1. 
The subject property shall be located:
a. 
Adjacent to an arterial street (CMC § 17.06.210); or
b. 
Within 100 feet of a nonresidential zone.
2. 
The subject property shall contain a minimum of 10,000 square feet of area.
B. 
Conditional Use – Nonresidential Development. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for any nonresidential development in an R-2 zone:
1. 
The subject property shall be located:
a. 
Adjacent to an arterial street (CMC § 17.06.210); or
b. 
Within 100 feet of a nonresidential zone.
2. 
SEPA categorical exemptions shall not be applicable. All conditional use proposals for nonresidential development within an R-2 zone shall require a SEPA checklist, required application fee and compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 17.15 CMC, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including mitigating conditions.
3. 
Any approved development with an occupant load of 100 or more persons shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an adjacent arterial street within 300 feet of such occupancy. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards.
C. 
Excavation or grading of any development site which involves both:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area; and
2. 
Transportation of any excavated or graded material to any off-site location; shall require an application to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a surface mining reclamation permit and compliance with any conditions of approval for such permit unless the DNR advises the city in writing that such permit is not required for the subject proposal.
D. 
Incidental Sales (e.g., Garage Sales).
1. 
Shall not occur for more than four consecutive days per sale;
2. 
Shall not occur more frequently than quarterly (at least 90 days between such sales);
3. 
Shall not involve the sale or other disposition of toxic, hazardous, or dangerous substances or chemicals, or flammable or combustible liquids;
4. 
Shall not occur on any public right-of-way;
5. 
Shall not create any public nuisance or traffic hazard; and
6. 
Shall not constitute a home occupation.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B §§ 10, 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.45.110 Signs.

A. 
All signs shall comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 17.86 CMC, Signs (General), and shall require a sign construction permit unless specifically exempted.
B. 
Address numbers required by CMC § 17.83.090 shall not be considered to be a sign.
C. 
Permanent Signs.
1. 
Are limited to two square feet in area;
2. 
Sign copy is limited to any combination of the following:
a. 
Situs address of the property;
b. 
Name(s) of the residential occupants of the property;
c. 
Business name of one approved home occupation;
3. 
Are limited to one sign per street frontage;
4. 
Shall be wall signs mounted only upon the wall of the principal building.
D. 
Temporary Signs.
1. 
Shall be displayed for not longer than three consecutive days in any 90-day period;
2. 
Are limited to two square feet in area.
E. 
Political Signs.
1. 
Shall not be publicly displayed by a candidate for public office prior to the public announcement that the candidate is running for a particular office;
2. 
Shall be removed within 10 days after the date of the election for the candidate or issue being advertised on such sign.
F. 
Real Estate Signs.
1. 
Are limited to six square feet in area and six feet in height;
2. 
Shall be removed within 10 days of the date of closing the sale of the advertised property.
G. 
Warning Signs (Private Property).
1. 
Shall be installed whenever a person upon any public property, right-of-way or adjacent private property could become endangered or injured by virtue of any development activity on private property;
2. 
Shall identify with reasonable specificity what activity or condition may be dangerous to a person on public property (e.g., dangerous dog, barbed wire fence, falling debris, trucks unloading, etc.).
H. 
Warning Signs (Public Property).
1. 
Shall be installed when and where required by the director of public works.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.45.120 Hazardous waste.

A. 
Hazardous waste generation facilities shall not be permitted.
B. 
Hazardous waste storage facilities shall not be permitted.
C. 
Hazardous waste treatment facilities shall not be permitted.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 24, 2025)

§ 17.48.001 Intent.

The intent of the R-3 zone is to provide an area for a variety of housing types at a limited density, including institutional, with adequate public facilities and zoning controls designed to protect the residential living environment. Conditional uses must protect any adjacent residential development.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.48.010 Uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the R-3 zone shall be those uses listed as “permitted” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), and in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
B. 
Conditional uses in the R-3 zone shall be those uses listed as “conditional” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), or in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
C. 
Accessory uses and temporary uses listed in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, are allowed in an R-3 zone if they are consistent with all applicable provisions of this title.
D. 
Uses which are not listed as permitted, accessory, temporary, conditional or prohibited in the R-3 zone, and which are not listed as prohibited in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title) or special district (Division IV of this title), may be submitted as conditional use applications consistent with CMC § 17.09.185. Such applications shall not be approved unless the applicant demonstrates consistency with all applicable review and approval criteria.
E. 
All uses in an R-3 zone shall occur, or be contained, within development consistent with CMC § 17.48.020 and all other applicable provisions of this title, including the building and fire codes.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.48.020 Bulk regulations (R-3 zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Minimum Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Minimum Alley Setback
DU Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
10 acres of contiguous residential zones
5,000 sq. ft.
50' except a flag lot may have 16' of frontage
80%
35'
20'
5'
5'
6/18 units/acre
Accessory
—
5,000 sq. ft.
—
25%
35'
20'
5'
0' if vehicle access parallel to, or not from, alley; otherwise 5'
6/18 units/acre
Condition-al
—
—
—
80%
35'
20'
5'
5'
6/18 units/acre
Temporary
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
80%
35'
20'
5'
5'
6/18 units/acre
Notes:
A.
Minimum DU density is calculated on the zone; maximum DU density is calculated on the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 750B § 13, 2003; Ord. 978B § 1, 2017; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.48.030 Parking and loading.

A. 
All development and uses shall be consistent with the general requirements of Chapter 17.84 CMC and the specific requirements of this section.
B. 
Residential parking spaces for six or fewer passenger vehicles may be developed adjacent to a public alley; provided, that no parking space occurs within any street setback area.
C. 
Nonresidential uses which may be permitted shall provide access to required parking spaces from a public street or approved private road.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.48.040 Fences, walls, and hedges.

A. 
Fences within any street setback area shall be limited to:
1. 
Forty-two inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is more than 50 percent opaque;
2. 
Forty-eight inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is 50 percent or less opaque.
B. 
Fences which are not located within any street setback area shall be limited to seven feet high above adjacent grade.
C. 
No residential fence shall contain barbed wire, broken glass, electricity, or any other hazardous material or substance.
D. 
Where a legally established use exists requiring the containment of farm animals or livestock, barbed wire or an electric fence may be used; provided, that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property, and warning signs are posted consistent with CMC § 17.48.110.
E. 
Swimming pools shall require a minimum fivefoothigh fence, but not more than six feet high, completely surrounding and securing the area of the pool. Such fence shall not be located within any street setback area. Portions of such a fence need not be provided where a secure building will accomplish the same manner of access and/or control as a fence.
F. 
Retaining walls shall be located entirely upon private property except where required by the public works director to protect public property.
G. 
A retaining wall shall not project higher than six inches above the higher adjacent grade except when it is a structural element of a building or structure.
H. 
Retaining walls which are higher than four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall shall comply with applicable provisions of the building code, including permit requirements.
I. 
Retaining walls which serve as a structural element of any building or structure shall comply with the applicable provisions of the building code.
J. 
A hedge shall comply with the requirements for a fence; provided, hedges which are not located within a street setback, and do not otherwise constitute a traffic visibility obstruction on any right-of-way or alley, or any public nuisance condition, are not limited in height.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 961B § 3, 2016; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.48.050 Accessory building.

A. 
All permitted accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 17.48.020.
B. 
An accessory building shall comply with all applicable building code requirements for the permitted use or occupancy.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.48.060 Projections into public right-of-way.

No part of any development may project into or over any public right-of-way except driveway construction and/or utility construction consistent with the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.48.070 Landscape requirements.

A. 
No unprotected earth or soil shall be permitted to remain on site subsequent to construction or development. All filling, grading and/or excavating activity shall comply with applicable provisions of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the development engineering standards for protection of public water supply systems (crossconnection control) and shall be designed so that surface water generated by such an irrigation system shall not flow onto public property or any wetland, except within an approved storm water management system.
C. 
Site development and landscaping shall maintain an approved means of egress as specified in the building code from the primary exit from any habitable structure to a public right-of-way or alley.
D. 
Landscape plantings and/or ground cover may be of any type to prevent erosion of soil from the site; provided, only naturally occurring and/or noninvasive species of vegetation may be planted or allowed to grow within a wetland or wetland buffer.
E. 
Residential development of three or more units shall require provision of not less than 50 percent of the required ground cover to consist of grasses, or other ground cover, and the remainder, if any, of the site to contain any type of plantings, shrubs, and/or trees. Any proposed landscaping which may impact a public works utility shall be approved by the public works director.
F. 
Nonresidential development, which may be permitted, shall provide landscaping consistent with the requirements of CMC § 17.57.070.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.48.080 Essential services/utilities.

A. 
Essential services for any proposed development shall be available to serve such development prior to occupancy. Essential services which the city determines cannot be made available prior to such occupancy shall cause the city to deny issuance of all development permits for such development.
B. 
Required utility service (water, sewer, storm water) for any development shall be approved by the public works director prior to issuance of any development permits.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.48.090 Off-site improvements.

Any off-site improvements required by the development engineering standards for the specific development proposal shall become an integral part of the development proposal and shall be reviewed and approved by the DRC as part of the proposal. The public works director may require a separate permit application for work upon a public right-of-way consistent with Chapter 17.93 CMC and/or the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.48.100 Special provisions.

A. 
Any approved development containing 20 or more residential dwelling units or guest rooms shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an arterial street within 300 feet of such development. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Conditional Use – Nonresidential Development. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for any nonresidential development in an R-3 zone:
1. 
SEPA categorical exemptions shall not be applicable. All conditional use proposals for nonresidential development within an R-3 zone shall require a SEPA checklist, required application fee and compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 17.15 CMC, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including mitigating conditions.
2. 
Any approved development with an occupant load of 100 or more persons shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an adjacent arterial street within 300 feet of such occupancy. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards.
C. 
Excavation or grading of any development site which involves both:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area; and
2. 
Transportation of any excavated or graded material to any off-site location;
shall require an application to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a surface mining reclamation permit and compliance with any conditions of approval for such permit unless the DNR advises the city in writing that such permit is not required for the subject proposal.
D. 
Incidental Sales (e.g., Garage Sales).
1. 
Shall not occur for more than four consecutive days per sale;
2. 
Shall not occur more frequently than quarterly (at least 90 days between such sales);
3. 
Shall not involve the sale or other disposition of toxic, hazardous, or dangerous substances or chemicals, or flammable or combustible liquids;
4. 
Shall not occur on any public right-of-way;
5. 
Shall not create any public nuisance or traffic hazard; and
6. 
Shall not constitute a home occupation.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.48.110 Signs.

A. 
All signs shall comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 17.86 CMC, Signs (General), and shall require a sign construction permit unless specifically exempted.
B. 
Address numbers required by CMC § 17.83.090 shall not be considered to be a sign.
C. 
Permanent Signs.
1. 
Are limited to 32 square feet in area;
2. 
Sign copy is limited to any combination of the following:
a. 
Situs address of the property;
b. 
Name(s) of the residential occupants of the property;
c. 
Business name of one approved home occupation;
d. 
Common name of the development or complex;
3. 
Are limited to one sign per street frontage.
D. 
Temporary Signs.
1. 
Shall be displayed for not longer than three consecutive days in any 90-day period;
2. 
Are limited to two square feet in area.
E. 
Political Signs.
1. 
Shall not be publicly displayed by a candidate for public office prior to the public announcement that the candidate is running for a particular office;
2. 
Shall be removed within 10 days after the date of the election for the candidate or issue being advertised on such sign.
F. 
Real Estate Signs.
1. 
Are limited to 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height;
2. 
Shall be removed within 10 days of the date of closing the sale of the advertised property.
G. 
Warning Signs (Private Property).
1. 
Shall be installed whenever a person upon any public property, right-of-way or adjacent private property could become endangered or injured by virtue of any development activity on private property;
2. 
Shall identify with reasonable specificity what activity or condition may be dangerous to a person on public property (e.g., dangerous dog, barbed wire fence, falling debris, trucks unloading, etc.).
H. 
Warning Signs (Public Property).
1. 
Shall be installed when and where required by the director of public works.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.48.120 Hazardous waste.

A. 
On-site treatment and/or storage of hazardous waste which may be an accessory or ancillary aspect of any approved permitted or conditional use may be allowed; provided, that such activity meets the siting criteria of RCW 70.105.210 and any amendments thereto, in addition to any conditions of approval attached by the city.
B. 
Hazardous waste storage facilities shall not be permitted.
C. 
Hazardous waste treatment facilities shall not be permitted.
D. 
Any hazardous waste management activity which requires a Washington State Dangerous Waste Permit pursuant to Chapter 173-303 WAC shall submit a copy of such permit approval to the city prior to initiating such activity.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 25, 2025)

§ 17.51.001 Intent.

The intent of the R-4 zone is to provide an area for development of high density housing types, including institutions, with adequate public facilities and zoning controls designed to protect the residential living environment. Conditional uses must protect any adjacent residential development.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.51.010 Uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the R-4 zone shall be those uses listed as “permitted” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), and in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
B. 
Conditional uses in the R-4 zone shall be those uses listed as “conditional” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), or in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
C. 
Accessory uses and temporary uses listed in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, are allowed in an R-4 zone if they are consistent with all applicable provisions of this title.
D. 
Uses which are not listed as permitted, accessory, temporary, conditional or prohibited in the R-4 zone, and which are not listed as prohibited in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title) or special district (Division IV of this title), may be submitted as conditional use applications consistent with CMC § 17.09.185. Such applications shall not be approved unless the applicant demonstrates consistency with all applicable review and approval criteria.
E. 
All uses in an R-4 zone shall occur, or be contained, within development consistent with CMC § 17.51.020 and all other applicable provisions of this title, including the building and fire codes.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.51.020 Bulk regulations (R-4 zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Minimum Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Minimum Alley Setback
DU Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
10 acres of contiguous residential zones
5,000 sq. ft.
50' except a flag lot may have 25' of frontage
80%
50'
20'
5'
5'
10/24 units/acre
Accessory
—
5,000 sq. ft.
—
25%
50'
20'
3' if located totally within rear yard, otherwise, 5' elsewhere
0' if vehicle access parallel to, or not from, alley; otherwise 5'
10/24 units/acre
Condition-al
—
—
—
80%
50'
20'
5'
5'
10/24 units/acre
Temporary
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
80%
50'
20'
5'
5'
10/24 units/acre
Notes:
A.
Minimum DU density is calculated on the zone; maximum DU density is calculated on the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.51.030 Parking and loading.

A. 
All development and uses shall be consistent with the general requirements of Chapter 17.84 CMC and the specific requirements of this section.
B. 
Residential parking spaces for six or fewer passenger vehicles may be developed adjacent to a public alley; provided, that no parking space occurs within any street setback area.
C. 
Nonresidential uses which may be permitted shall provide access to required parking spaces from a public street or approved private road.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.51.040 Fences, walls, and hedges.

A. 
Fences within any street setback area shall be limited to:
1. 
Forty-two inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is more than 50 percent opaque;
2. 
Forty-eight inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is 50 percent or less opaque.
B. 
Fences which are not located within any street setback area shall be limited to seven feet high above adjacent grade.
C. 
No residential fence shall contain barbed wire, broken glass, electricity, or any other hazardous material or substance.
D. 
Where a legally established use exists requiring the containment of farm animals or livestock, barbed wire or an electric fence may be used; provided, that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property, and warning signs are posted consistent with CMC § 17.51.110.
E. 
Swimming pools shall require a minimum five-foot-high fence, but not more than six feet high, completely surrounding and securing the area of the pool. Such fence shall not be located within any street setback area. Portions of such a fence need not be provided where a secure building will accomplish the same manner of access and/or control as a fence.
F. 
Retaining walls shall be located entirely upon private property except where required by the public works director to protect public property.
G. 
A retaining wall shall not project higher than six inches above the higher adjacent grade except when it is a structural element of a building or structure.
H. 
Retaining walls which are higher than four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall shall comply with applicable provisions of the building code, including permit requirements.
I. 
Retaining walls which serve as a structural element of any building or structure shall comply with the applicable provisions of the building code.
J. 
A hedge shall comply with the requirements for a fence; provided, hedges which are not located within a street setback, and do not otherwise constitute a traffic visibility obstruction on any right-of-way or alley, or any public nuisance condition, are not limited in height.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 961B § 4, 2016; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.51.050 Accessory building.

A. 
All permitted accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 17.51.020.
B. 
An accessory building shall comply with all applicable building code requirements for the permitted use or occupancy.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.51.060 Projections into public right-of-way.

No part of any development may project into or over any public right-of-way except driveway construction and/or utility construction consistent with the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.51.070 Landscape requirements.

A. 
No unprotected earth or soil shall be permitted to remain on site subsequent to construction or development. All filling, grading and/or excavating activity shall comply with applicable provisions of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the development engineering standards for protection of public water supply systems (crossconnection control) and shall be designed so that surface water generated by such an irrigation system shall not flow onto public property or any wetland, except within an approved storm water management system.
C. 
Site development and landscaping shall maintain an approved means of egress as specified in the building code from the primary exit from any habitable structure to a public right-of-way or alley.
D. 
Landscape plantings and/or ground cover may be of any type to prevent erosion of soil from the site; provided, only naturally occurring and/or noninvasive species of vegetation may be planted or allowed to grow within a wetland or wetland buffer.
E. 
Residential development of three or more units shall require provision of not less than 50 percent of the required ground cover to consist of grasses, or other ground cover, and the remainder, if any, of this site to contain any type of plantings, shrubs, and/or trees. Any proposed landscaping which may impact a public works utility shall be approved by the public works director.
F. 
Nonresidential development, which may be permitted, shall provide landscaping consistent with the requirements of CMC § 17.57.070.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.51.080 Essential services/utilities.

A. 
Essential services for any proposed development shall be available to serve such development prior to occupancy. Essential services which the city determines cannot be made available prior to such occupancy shall cause the city to deny issuance of all development permits for such development.
B. 
Required utility service (water, sewer, storm water) for any development shall be approved by the public works director prior to issuance of any development permits.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.51.090 Off-site improvements.

Any off-site improvements required by the development engineering standards for the specific development proposal shall become an integral part of the development proposal and shall be reviewed and approved by the DRC as part of the proposal. The public works director may require a separate permit application for work upon a public right-of-way consistent with Chapter 17.93 CMC and/or the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.51.100 Special provisions.

A. 
Any approved development containing 20 or more residential dwelling units or guest rooms shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an arterial street within 300 feet of such development. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Conditional Use – Nonresidential Development. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for any nonresidential development in an R-4 zone:
1. 
SEPA categorical exemptions shall not be applicable. All conditional use proposals for nonresidential development within an R-4 zone shall require a SEPA checklist, required application fee and compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 17.15 CMC, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including mitigating conditions.
2. 
Any approved development with an occupant load of 100 or more persons shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an adjacent arterial street within 300 feet of such occupancy. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards.
C. 
Excavation or grading of any development site which involves both:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area; and
2. 
Transportation of any excavated or graded material to any off-site location;
shall require an application to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a surface mining reclamation permit and compliance with any conditions of approval for such permit unless the DNR advises the city in writing that such permit is not required for the subject proposal.
D. 
Incidental Sales (e.g., Garage Sales).
1. 
Shall not occur for more than four consecutive days per sale;
2. 
Shall not occur more frequently than quarterly (at least 90 days between such sales);
3. 
Shall not involve the sale or other disposition of toxic, hazardous, or dangerous substances or chemicals, or flammable or combustible liquids;
4. 
Shall not occur on any public right-of-way;
5. 
Shall not create any public nuisance or traffic hazard; and
6. 
Shall not constitute a home occupation.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.51.110 Signs.

A. 
All signs shall comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 17.86 CMC, Signs (General), and shall require a sign construction permit unless specifically exempted.
B. 
Address numbers required by CMC § 17.83.090 shall not be considered to be a sign.
C. 
Permanent Signs.
1. 
Are limited to 32 square feet in area;
2. 
Sign copy is limited to any combination of the following:
a. 
Situs address of the property;
b. 
Name(s) of the residential occupants of the property;
c. 
Business name of one approved home occupation;
d. 
Common name of the development or complex;
3. 
Are limited to one sign per street frontage.
D. 
Temporary Signs.
1. 
Shall be displayed for not longer than three consecutive days in any 90-day period;
2. 
Are limited to two square feet in area.
E. 
Political Signs.
1. 
Shall not be publicly displayed by a candidate for public office prior to the public announcement that the candidate is running for a particular office;
2. 
Shall be removed within 10 days after the date of the election for the candidate or issue being advertised on such sign.
F. 
Real Estate Signs.
1. 
Are limited to 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height;
2. 
Shall be removed within 10 days of the date of closing the sale of the advertised property.
G. 
Warning Signs (Private Property).
1. 
Shall be installed whenever a person upon any public property, right-of-way or adjacent private property could become endangered or injured by virtue of any development activity on private property;
2. 
Shall identify with reasonable specificity what activity or condition may be dangerous to a person on public property (e.g., dangerous dog, barbed wire fence, falling debris, trucks unloading, etc.).
H. 
Warning Signs (Public Property).
1. 
Shall be installed when and where required by the director of public works.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.51.120 Hazardous waste.

A. 
On-site treatment and/or storage of hazardous waste which may be an accessory or ancillary aspect of any approved permitted or conditional use may be allowed; provided, that such activity meets the siting criteria of RCW 70.105.210 and any amendments thereto, in addition to any conditions of approval attached by the city.
B. 
Hazardous waste storage facilities shall not be permitted.
C. 
Hazardous waste treatment facilities shall not be permitted.
D. 
Any hazardous waste management activity which requires a Washington State Dangerous Waste Permit pursuant to Chapter 173-303 WAC shall submit a copy of such permit approval to the city prior to initiating such activity.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 26, 2025)

§ 17.52.001 Intent.

The intent of the R-UGA zone is to provide an area for development of low and medium density residences with relatively larger lot sizes and adequate public facilities and with zoning controls designed to protect the existing, vested rural residential living environment from possible deleterious influences of urbanization. Conditional uses are limited and must protect the residential character of the zone.
(Ord. 821B § 3, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.52.010 Uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the R-UGA zone shall be those uses listed as “permitted” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), and in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
B. 
Conditional uses in the R-UGA zone shall be those uses listed as “conditional” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), or in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
C. 
Accessory uses and temporary uses listed in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, are allowed in an R-UGA zone if they are consistent with all applicable provisions of this title.
D. 
Uses which are not listed as permitted, accessory, temporary, conditional or prohibited in the R-UGA zone, and which are not listed as prohibited in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title) or special district (Division IV of this title), may be submitted as conditional use applications consistent with CMC § 17.09.185. Such applications shall not be approved unless the applicant demonstrates consistency with all applicable review and approval criteria.
E. 
All uses in an R-UGA zone shall occur, or be contained, within development consistent with CMC § 17.52.020 and all other applicable provisions of this title, including the building and fire codes.
(Ord. 821B § 3, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.52.020 Bulk regulations (R-UGA zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Minimum Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Minimum Alley Setback
D/U Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
10 acres of contiguous residential zones
5 acres; or 6,000 sf if approved subdivi-sion
75' except: a flag lot may have 12' frontage for single-family, 40' frontage for other uses
50%
35'
20'
10% of lot width but not more than 15' nor less than 5'
5'
1 DU per 5 acres /4 – 24 DU per acre if approved subdivision
Accessory
—
5 acres; or 6,000 sf if approved subdivi-sion
—
25%
35'
20'
3' if located totally within rear yard, otherwise same as permitted
0' if vehicle access parallel to, or not from, alley – otherwise 5'
1 DU per 5 acres /4 – 24 DU per acre if approved subdivision
Condition-al
—
5 acres; or 6,000 sf if approved subdivi-sion
same as permitted
50%
35'
20'
10% of lot width but not more than 15' nor less than 5'
5'
1 DU per 5 acres /4 – 24 DU per acre if approved subdivision
Temporary
—
5 acres; or 6,000 sf if approved subdivi-sion
same as permitted
50%
35'
20'
10% of lot width but not more than 15' nor less than 5'
5'
1 DU per 5 acres /4 – 24 DU per acre if approved subdivision
NOTE:
A.
DU density is calculated on the lot; provided, that essential public services and utilities are in place to serve the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 847B § 12, 2009; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.52.030 Parking and loading.

A. 
All development and uses shall be consistent with the general requirements of Chapter 17.84 CMC and the specific requirements of this section.
B. 
Residential parking spaces for six or fewer passenger vehicles may be developed adjacent to a public alley; provided, that no parking space occurs within any street setback area.
(Ord. 821B § 3, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.52.040 Fences, walls, and hedges.

A. 
Fences within any street setback area shall be limited to:
1. 
Fifty-two inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is more than 50 percent opaque;
2. 
Forty-eight inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is 50 percent or less opaque.
B. 
Fences which are not located within any street setback area shall be limited to seven feet high above adjacent grade.
C. 
No residential fence shall contain broken glass, chemicals or any other hazardous materials or substances.
D. 
Where a legally established use exists requiring the containment of farm animals or livestock, barbed wire or an electric fence may be used; provided, that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property.
E. 
Swimming pools shall require a minimum five-foot-high fence, but not more than six feet high, completely surrounding and securing the area of the pool. Such fence shall not be located within any street setback area. Portions of such a fence need not be provided where a secure building will accomplish the same manner of access and/or control as a fence.
F. 
Retaining walls shall be located entirely upon private property except where required by the public works director to protect public property.
G. 
A retaining wall shall not project higher than six inches above the higher adjacent grade except when it is a structural element of a building or structure.
H. 
Retaining walls which are higher than four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall shall comply with applicable provisions of the building code, including permit requirements.
I. 
Retaining walls which serve as a structural element of any building or structure shall comply with the applicable provisions of the building code.
J. 
A hedge shall comply with the requirements for a fence; provided, hedges which are not located within a street setback, and do not otherwise constitute a traffic visibility obstruction on any right-of-way or alley, or any public nuisance condition, are not limited in height.
(Ord. 821B § 3, 2007; Ord. 961B § 5, 2016; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.52.050 Accessory building.

A. 
All permitted accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 17.52.020.
B. 
An accessory building shall comply with all applicable building code requirements for the permitted use or occupancy.
(Ord. 821B § 3, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.52.060 Projections into public right-of-way.

No part of any development may project into or over any public right-of-way except driveway construction and/or utility construction consistent with the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 821B § 3, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.52.070 Landscape requirements.

A. 
No unprotected earth or soil shall be permitted to remain on site subsequent to construction or development. All filling, grading and/or excavating activity shall comply with applicable provisions of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the development engineering standards for protection of public water supply systems (crossconnection control) and shall be designed so that surface water generated by such an irrigation system shall not flow onto public property or any wetland, except within an approved storm water management system.
C. 
Site development and landscaping shall maintain an approved means of egress as specified in the building code from the primary exit from any habitable structure to a public right-of-way or alley.
D. 
Landscape plantings and/or ground cover may be of any type to prevent erosion of soil from the site, provided only naturally occurring and/or noninvasive species of vegetation may be planted or allowed to grow within a wetland or wetland buffer.
E. 
Nonresidential development which may be permitted shall provide landscaping consistent with the requirements of CMC § 17.57.070.
(Ord. 821B § 3, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.52.080 Essential services/utilities.

A. 
Essential services for any proposed development shall be available to serve such development prior to occupancy. Essential services which the city determines cannot be made available prior to such occupancy shall cause the city to deny issuance of all development permits for such development.
B. 
Required utility service (water, sewer, storm water) for any development shall be approved by the public works director and Lewis County, if such service is located within a county right-of-way, prior to issuance of any development permits.
(Ord. 821B § 3, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.52.090 Off-site improvements.

Any off-site improvements required by the development engineering standards or Lewis County for the specific development proposal shall become an integral part of the development proposal and shall be reviewed and approved by the DRC as part of the proposal. The public works director may require a separate permit application for work upon a public right-of-way consistent with Chapter 17.93 CMC, Lewis County and/or the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 821B § 3, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.52.100 Special provisions.

A. 
Conditional Use – Duplex or Second Dwelling Unit Development. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for a duplex or a second dwelling unit development on a single parcel in an R-UGA zone:
1. 
The subject property shall be served by installed and approved utility and transportation infrastructure; and
2. 
The subject property shall contain a minimum of 12,000 square feet of area.
B. 
Conditional Use – Multifamily Dwelling Development. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for a multifamily dwelling development on a single parcel in an R-UGA zone:
1. 
The subject property shall be served by installed and approved utility and transportation infrastructure; and
2. 
The subject property shall contain a minimum of 12,000 square feet of area for the first two units, plus 3,000 square feet of area for each additional unit.
C. 
Conditional Use – Nonresidential Development. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for any nonresidential development in an R-UGA zone:
1. 
The subject property shall be located adjacent to or abutting an arterial street (CMC § 17.06.210) with primary access thereon.
2. 
The subject property shall be served by installed and approved utility and transportation infrastructure.
3. 
SEPA categorical exemptions shall not be applicable. All conditional use proposals for nonresidential development within an R-UGA zone shall require a SEPA checklist, required application fee and compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 17.15 CMC, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including mitigating conditions.
4. 
Any approved development with an occupant load of 100 or more persons shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an adjacent arterial street within 300 feet of such occupancy. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards.
D. 
Excavation or grading of any development site that involves both:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area; and
2. 
Transportation of any excavated or graded material to any off-site location shall require an application to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a surface mining reclamation permit and compliance with any conditions of approval for such permit unless the DNR advises the city in writing that such permit is not required for the subject proposal.
E. 
Incidental Sales. Incidental sales (e.g., garage sales):
1. 
Shall not occur for more than four consecutive days per sale;
2. 
Shall not occur more frequently than quarterly (at least 90 days between such sales);
3. 
Shall not involve the sale or other disposition of toxic, hazardous, or dangerous substances or chemicals, or flammable or combustible liquids;
4. 
Shall not occur on any public right-of-way;
5. 
Shall not create any public nuisance or traffic hazard; and
6. 
Shall not constitute a home occupation.
(Ord. 821B § 3, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.52.110 Signs.

A. 
All signs shall comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 17.86 CMC, Signs (General), and shall require a sign construction permit unless specifically exempted.
B. 
Address numbers required by CMC § 17.83.090 shall not be considered to be a sign.
C. 
Permanent Signs on Residentially Occupied Property. Permanent signs on residentially occupied property:
1. 
Are limited to two square feet in area;
2. 
Sign copy is limited to any combination of the following:
a. 
Situs address of the property;
b. 
Name(s) of the residential occupants of the property;
c. 
Business name of one approved home occupation;
3. 
Are limited to one sign per street frontage;
4. 
Shall be wall signs mounted only upon the wall of the principal building.
D. 
Temporary Signs. Temporary signs:
1. 
Shall be displayed for not longer than three consecutive days in any 90-day period;
2. 
Are limited to two square feet in area.
E. 
Political Signs. Political signs:
1. 
Shall not be publicly displayed by a candidate for public office prior to the public announcement that the candidate is running for a particular office;
2. 
Shall be removed within 10 days after the date of the election for the candidate or issue being advertised on such sign.
F. 
Real Estate Signs on Residentially Occupied Property. Real estate signs on residentially occupied property:
1. 
Are limited to six square feet in area and six feet in height;
2. 
Shall be removed within 10 days of the date of closing the sale of the advertised property.
G. 
Warning Signs (Private Property). Warning signs (private property):
1. 
Shall be installed whenever a person upon any public property, right-of-way or adjacent private property could become endangered or injured by virtue of any development activity on private property;
2. 
Shall identify with reasonable specificity what activity or condition may be dangerous to a person on public property (e.g., dangerous dog, barbed wire fence, falling debris, trucks unloading, etc.).
H. 
Warning Signs (Public Property).
1. 
Shall be installed when and where required by the director of public works or Lewis County.
(Ord. 821B § 3, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.52.120 Hazardous waste.

A. 
Hazardous waste generation facilities shall not be permitted.
B. 
Hazardous waste storage facilities shall not be permitted.
C. 
Hazardous waste treatment facilities shall not be permitted.
(Ord. 821B § 3, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 27, 2025)

§ 17.54.001 Intent.

The intent of the EPF zone is to provide an area for development of public or semi-public facilities determined by the community to be essential to the well-being and function of the community. Such facilities generally require strategic locations which may necessitate unique zoning controls.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.54.010 Uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the EPF zone shall be those uses listed as “permitted” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), and in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
B. 
Conditional uses in the EPF zone shall be those uses listed as “conditional” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), or in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
C. 
Accessory uses and temporary uses listed in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, are allowed in an EPF zone if they are consistent with all applicable provisions of this title.
D. 
Uses which are not listed as permitted, accessory, temporary, conditional or prohibited in the EPF zone, and which are not listed as prohibited in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title) or special district (Division IV of this title), may be submitted as conditional use applications consistent with CMC § 17.09.185. Such applications shall not be approved unless the applicant demonstrates consistency with all applicable review and approval criteria.
E. 
All uses in an EPF zone shall occur, or be contained, within development consistent with CMC § 17.54.020 and all other applicable provisions of this title, including the building and fire codes.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.54.020 Bulk regulations (EPF zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Minimum Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Minimum Alley Setback
DU Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
None
None
None
100%
50'
20'
5'
None
0/24 units/acre
Accessory
—
None
—
50%
50'
20'
5'
None
0/24 units/acre
Condition-al
—
—
—
100%
50'
20'
5'
None
0/24 units/acre
Temporary
—
None
None
100%
50'
20'
5'
None
0/24 units/acre
Notes:
A.
Minimum DU density is calculated on the zone; maximum DU density is calculated on the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.54.030 Parking and loading.

All development and uses shall be consistent with the general requirements of Chapter 17.84 CMC.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.54.040 Fences, walls, and hedges.

A. 
Fences within any street setback area shall be limited to:
1. 
Forty-two inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is more than 50 percent opaque;
2. 
Forty-eight inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is 50 percent or less opaque.
B. 
Fences which are not located within any street setback area shall be limited to seven feet high above adjacent grade except when a higher fence is required by statute or an agency with jurisdiction.
C. 
No residential fence shall contain barbed wire, broken glass, electricity, or any other hazardous material or substance.
D. 
Where a legally established use exists requiring the containment of farm animals or livestock, barbed wire or an electric fence may be used; provided, that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property, and warning signs are posted consistent with CMC § 17.54.110.
E. 
Swimming pools shall require a minimum five-foot-high fence, but not more than six feet high, completely surrounding and securing the area of the pool. Such fence shall not be located within any street setback area. Portions of such a fence need not be provided where a secure building will accomplish the same manner of access and/or control as a fence.
F. 
Retaining walls shall be located entirely upon private property except where required by the public works director to protect public property.
G. 
A retaining wall shall not project higher than six inches above the higher adjacent grade except when it is a structural element of a building or structure.
H. 
Retaining walls which are higher than four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall shall comply with applicable provisions of the building code, including permit requirements.
I. 
Retaining walls which serve as a structural element of any building or structure shall comply with the applicable provisions of the building code.
J. 
A hedge shall comply with the requirements for a fence; provided, hedges which are not located within a street setback, and do not otherwise constitute a traffic visibility obstruction on any right-of-way or alley, or any public nuisance condition, are not limited in height.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 961B § 6, 2016; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.54.050 Accessory building.

A. 
All permitted accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 17.54.020.
B. 
An accessory building shall comply with all applicable building code requirements for the permitted use or occupancy.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.54.060 Projections into public right-of-way.

No part of any development may project into or over any public right-of-way except driveway construction and/or utility construction consistent with the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.54.070 Landscape requirements.

A. 
No unprotected earth or soil shall be permitted to remain on site subsequent to construction or development. All filling, grading and/or excavating activity shall comply with applicable provisions of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the development engineering standards for protection of public water supply systems (crossconnection control) and shall be designed so that surface water generated by such an irrigation system shall not flow onto public property or any wetland, except within an approved storm water management system.
C. 
Site development and landscaping shall maintain an approved means of egress as specified in the building code from the primary exit from any habitable structure to a public right-of-way or alley.
D. 
Landscape plantings and/or ground cover may be of any type to prevent erosion of soil from the site; provided, only naturally occurring and/or noninvasive species of vegetation may be planted or allowed to grow within a wetland or wetland buffer.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.54.080 Essential services/utilities.

A. 
Essential services for any proposed development shall be available to serve such development prior to occupancy. Essential services which the city determines cannot be made available prior to such occupancy shall cause the city to deny issuance of all development permits for such development.
B. 
Required utility service (water, sewer, storm water) for any development shall be approved by the public works director prior to issuance of any development permits.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.54.090 Off-site improvements.

Any off-site improvements required by the development engineering standards for the specific development proposal shall become an integral part of the development proposal and shall be reviewed and approved by the DRC as part of the proposal. The public works director may require a separate permit application for work upon a public right-of-way consistent with Chapter 17.93 CMC and/or the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.54.100 Special provisions.

A. 
Any approved development with an occupant load of 100 or more persons, or containing 20 or more residential dwelling units or guest rooms, shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an arterial street within 300 feet of such occupancy. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Conditional Use. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application in an EPF zone:
1. 
SEPA categorical exemptions shall not be applicable. All conditional use proposals for development within an EPF zone shall require a SEPA checklist, required application fee and compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 17.15 CMC, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including mitigating conditions.
C. 
Excavation or grading of any development site which involves both:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area; and
2. 
Transportation of any excavated or graded material to any off-site location;
shall require an application to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a surface mining reclamation permit and compliance with any conditions of approval for such permit unless the DNR advises the city in writing that such permit is not required for the subject proposal.
D. 
Incidental Sales (e.g., Garage Sales).
1. 
Shall not occur for more than four consecutive days per sale;
2. 
Shall not occur more frequently than quarterly (at least 90 days between such sales);
3. 
Shall not involve the sale or other disposition of toxic, hazardous, or dangerous substances or chemicals, or flammable or combustible liquids;
4. 
Shall not occur on any public right-of-way;
5. 
Shall not create any public nuisance or traffic hazard; and
6. 
Shall not constitute a home occupation.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.54.110 Signs.

A. 
All signs shall comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 17.86 CMC, Signs (General), and shall require a sign construction permit unless specifically exempted.
B. 
Address numbers required by CMC § 17.83.090 shall not be considered to be a sign.
C. 
Permanent Signs.
1. 
Are limited to 32 square feet in area;
2. 
Sign copy is limited to any combination of the following:
a. 
Situs address of the property;
b. 
Name(s) of the residential occupants of the property;
c. 
Business name of one approved home occupation;
d. 
Common name of the development or complex;
3. 
Are limited to one sign per street frontage.
D. 
Temporary Signs.
1. 
Shall not be displayed longer than 180 days or the duration of the activity being advertised, whichever is the shorter period;
2. 
Shall not constitute off-premises advertising;
3. 
Are limited to 32 square feet in area and six feet in height.
E. 
Political Signs.
1. 
Shall not be publicly displayed by a candidate for public office prior to the public announcement that the candidate is running for a particular office;
2. 
Shall be removed within 10 days after the date of the election for the candidate or issue being advertised on such sign;
3. 
Shall not be permitted on property owned by any government agency.
F. 
Real Estate Signs.
1. 
Are limited to 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height;
2. 
Shall be removed within 10 days of the date of closing the sale of the advertised property.
G. 
Warning Signs (Private Property).
1. 
Shall be installed whenever a person upon any public property, right-of-way or adjacent private property could become endangered or injured by virtue of any development activity on private property;
2. 
Shall identify with reasonable specificity what activity or condition may be dangerous to a person on public property (e.g., dangerous dog, barbed wire fence, falling debris, trucks unloading, etc.).
H. 
Warning Signs (Public Property).
1. 
Shall be installed when and where required by the director of public works.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.54.120 Hazardous waste.

A. 
Any approved hazardous waste generation facilities shall comply with all applicable regulations for such facilities.
B. 
Any approved hazardous waste storage facilities shall comply with all applicable regulations for such facilities.
C. 
Any approved hazardous waste treatment facilities shall comply with all applicable regulations for such facilities.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 28, 2025)

§ 17.55.010 Intent.

The intent of the MRC zone is to:
A. 
Provide a transition area between more intense commercial areas and residential land uses, and to provide an area for development of limited commercial office use along busier streets.
B. 
Permit the development of areas devoted to certain mixed uses of land which are found to be reasonably compatible, such as medium-density residential (five to eight units per acre), office, and limited types of commercial activities.
C. 
Provide architectural review through the site plan review process to ensure compatibility with adjoining residential areas; provide development standards to enhance the efficient operation of this district; and to achieve minimum adverse impact on the community as a whole, especially on adjacent properties having different land use characteristics.
D. 
Allow residential, retail, and office uses in the same structure.
(Ord. 1079B § 2 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 29, 2025)

§ 17.55.020 Permitted uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the MRC zone shall be those uses provided in Chapter 17.78 CMC in the multifamily residential (R-3) and general commercial (C-G) zones as chosen by the applicant at the time of application. All new development applications must be reviewed through a site plan review process (CMC § 17.09.130). For a mixed-use building, standards of either zone may apply as approved through the site plan review process.
B. 
For redevelopment of or improvements to an existing use the R-3 standards apply to residential uses and the C-G standards will apply to commercial uses. Uses shall be determined by the community development director and/or the site plan review committee if the primary use is not obvious from the character of the existing use. No site plan review is required for improvements to existing uses in the same character as the existing development.
C. 
Other or Related Uses Permitted.
1. 
Home occupations as provided in Chapter 17.90 CMC.
2. 
Signs. See Chapter 17.86 CMC.
3. 
Temporary seasonal produce stands.
D. 
Conditional uses as provided in Chapter 17.09 CMC in the R-3 and C-G zones.
E. 
Similar or related permitted uses, and criteria for determination of similarity or relatedness, are as follows:
1. 
Uses similar to, or related to, those listed in subsection (A) of this section are permitted upon a finding of the community development director and/or the site plan review committee that a particular unlisted use does not conflict with the intent of this chapter or the policies of the Chehalis comprehensive plan;
2. 
The criteria for such finding of similarity shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. 
The proposed use is appropriate in this area;
b. 
The development standards for permitted uses can be met by the proposed use;
c. 
The public need is served by the proposed use.
(Ord. 1079B § 2 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 29, 2025)

§ 17.55.030 Prohibited uses.

Wireless communication facilities and other uses, other than those identified or described in Chapter 17.78 CMC in the R-3 and G-C zones, are prohibited.
(Ord. 1079B § 2 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 29, 2025)

§ 17.55.040 Environmental and additional performance standards.

A. 
It shall be the responsibility of the operator and/or the proprietor of any permitted use to provide such reasonable evidence and technical data as the enforcing officer may require demonstrating that the use or activity is or will be in compliance with the property maintenance standards of Chapter 17.10 CMC (Adoption of International Building Codes and Standard Specifications).
B. 
Failure of the enforcing officer to require such information shall not be construed as relieving the operator and/or the proprietor from compliance with the environmental performance standards of this title.
(Ord. 1079B § 2 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 29, 2025)

§ 17.55.050 Site area.

The design and shape of sites shall be as allowed in the R-3 (multifamily medium density) or the C-G (general commercial) zoning district.
(Ord. 1079B § 2 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 29, 2025)

§ 17.55.060 Off-street parking.

Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 17.84 CMC.
(Ord. 1079B § 2 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 29, 2025)

§ 17.55.080 Design and development guidelines.

Developments shall comply with the requirements of CMC Title 12, Streets/Sidewalks/Public Places.
(Ord. 1079B § 2 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 29, 2025)

§ 17.55.090 Site plan review.

Architectural and building materials review and screening and buffering between commercial and residential uses will be critical in this district to ensure that new or remodeled structures maintain an appearance which is highly compatible with adjoining residential areas. Site plan review (CMC § 17.09.130) is required for all new developments in the MRC zone.
(Ord. 1079B § 2 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 29, 2025)

§ 17.55.100 Densities and infill – Bulk regulations.

Densities and infill are allowed per the standards in the R-3 and C-G zones. The bulk regulations apply as applicable in each zone.
(Ord. 1079B § 2 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 29, 2025)

§ 17.55.110 Individual lots required.

Every detached single-family dwelling, duplex, triplex, or other residential building shall be located on its own lot; provided, however, that apartment buildings designed as a single development may be located on one lot. Creation of a lot or lots shall meet all requirements of the subdivision and short plat code.
(Ord. 1079B § 2 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 29, 2025)

§ 17.56.010 Intent.

It is the intent of this chapter to provide interim development standards for parcels zoned OSG (open space government) to allow for permit processing until such time as a new OSG zoning code can be developed and adopted.
(Ord. 1079B § 3 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 30, 2025)

§ 17.56.020 Permitted uses.

A. 
Permitted as provided in CMC § 17.54.010(A) in any of the subzones.
B. 
Conditional uses as provided in CMC § 17.54.010(B).
C. 
Similar or related permitted uses are allowed per CMC § 17.54.010(D).
(Ord. 1079B § 3 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 30, 2025)

§ 17.56.050 Development standards and regulations.

Development standards for developments in the OSG zone shall be those listed in CMC §§ 17.54.020 through 17.54.120.
(Ord. 1079B § 3 (Att.), 2023; Ord. 1122B § 30, 2025)

§ 17.57.001 Intent.

The intent of the C-O zone is to provide an area for development of limited commercial activity, generally along arterial streets, where existing residential usage is expected to remain for a longer period of time. Zoning controls will provide protection for existing adjacent residential uses but will also provide for the conversion of the area to commercial uses.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 31, 2025)

§ 17.57.010 Uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the C-O zone shall be those uses listed as “permitted” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), and in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
B. 
Conditional uses in the C-O zone shall be those uses listed as “conditional” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), or in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
C. 
Accessory uses and temporary uses listed in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, are allowed in a C-O zone if they are consistent with all applicable provisions of this title.
D. 
Uses which are not listed as permitted, accessory, temporary, conditional or prohibited in the C-O zone, and which are not listed as prohibited in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title) or special district (Division IV of this title), may be submitted as conditional use applications consistent with CMC § 17.09.185. Such applications shall not be approved unless the applicant demonstrates consistency with all applicable review and approval criteria.
E. 
All uses in a C-O zone shall occur, or be contained, within development consistent with CMC § 17.57.020 and all other applicable provisions of this title, including the building and fire codes.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 31, 2025)

§ 17.57.020 Bulk regulations (C-O zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Minimum Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Minimum Alley Setback
DU Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
1 acre of contiguous commercial zones
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
100%
35'
5'
3'
None
0/24 units/acre
Accessory
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
50%
35'
5'
3'
None
0/24 units/acre
Condition-al
—
—
—
100%
35'
5'
3'
None
0/24 units/acre
Temporary
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
100%
35'
5'
3'
None
0/24 units/acre
Notes:
A.
Minimum DU density is calculated on the zone; maximum DU density is calculated on the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 31, 2025)

§ 17.57.030 Parking and loading.

All development and uses shall be consistent with the general requirements of Chapter 17.84 CMC.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 31, 2025)

§ 17.57.040 Fences, walls, and hedges.

A. 
Fences within any street setback area shall be limited to:
1. 
Forty-two inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is more than 50 percent opaque;
2. 
Forty-eight inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is 50 percent or less opaque.
B. 
Fences which are not located within any street setback area shall be limited to seven feet high above adjacent grade.
C. 
No residential fence shall contain barbed wire, broken glass, electricity, or any other hazardous material or substance.
D. 
Where a legally established use exists requiring the containment of farm animals or livestock, barbed wire or an electric fence may be used; provided, that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property, and warning signs are posted consistent with CMC § 17.51.110.
E. 
Swimming pools shall require a minimum five-foot-high fence, but not more than six feet high, completely surrounding and securing the area of the pool. Such fence shall not be located within any street setback area. Portions of such a fence need not be provided where a secure building will accomplish the same manner of access and/or control as a fence.
F. 
Retaining walls shall be located entirely upon private property except where required by the public works director to protect public property.
G. 
A retaining wall shall not project higher than six inches above the higher adjacent grade except when it is a structural element of a building or structure.
H. 
Retaining walls which are higher than four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall shall comply with applicable provisions of the building code, including permit requirements.
I. 
Retaining walls which serve as a structural element of any building or structure shall comply with the applicable provisions of the building code.
J. 
A hedge shall comply with the requirements for a fence; provided, hedges which are not located within a street setback, and do not otherwise constitute a traffic visibility obstruction on any right-of-way or alley, or any public nuisance condition, are not limited in height.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 961B § 7, 2016; Ord. 1122B § 31, 2025)

§ 17.57.050 Accessory building.

A. 
All permitted accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 17.57.020.
B. 
An accessory building shall comply with all applicable building code requirements for the permitted use or occupancy.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 31, 2025)

§ 17.57.060 Projections into public right-of-way.

No part of any development may project into or over any public right-of-way except driveway construction and/or utility construction consistent with the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 31, 2025)

§ 17.57.070 Landscape requirements.

A. 
No unprotected earth or soil shall be permitted to remain on site subsequent to construction or development. All filling, grading and/or excavating activity shall comply with applicable provisions of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the development engineering standards for protection of public water supply systems (crossconnection control) and shall be designed so that surface water generated by such an irrigation system shall not flow onto public property or any wetland, except within an approved storm water management system.
C. 
Site development and landscaping shall maintain an approved means of egress as specified in the building code from the primary exit from any habitable structure to a public right-of-way or alley.
D. 
Landscape plantings and/or ground cover may be of any type to prevent erosion of soil from the site; provided, only naturally occurring and/or noninvasive species of vegetation may be planted or allowed to grow within a wetland or wetland buffer.
E. 
Parking lot landscaping shall be consistent with the minimum requirements of CMC § 17.84.040.
F. 
Required street setbacks shall be landscaped with any combination of ground cover and/or evergreen plantings. Decorative or ornamental site work (e.g., fountains, statues, walkways, etc.) shall not exceed 50 percent of the setback area.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 31, 2025)

§ 17.57.080 Essential services/utilities.

A. 
Essential services for any proposed development shall be available to serve such development prior to occupancy. Essential services which the city determines cannot be made available prior to such occupancy shall cause the city to deny issuance of all development permits for such development.
B. 
Required utility service (water, sewer, storm water) for any development shall be approved by the public works director prior to issuance of any development permits.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 31, 2025)

§ 17.57.090 Off-site improvements.

Any off-site improvements required by the development engineering standards for the specific development proposal shall become an integral part of the development proposal and shall be reviewed and approved by the DRC as part of the proposal. The public works director may require a separate permit application for work upon a public right-of-way consistent with Chapter 17.93 CMC and/or the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 31, 2025)

§ 17.57.100 Special provisions.

A. 
Any approved development with an occupant load of 100 or more persons, or containing 20 or more residential dwelling units or guest rooms, shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an arterial street within 300 feet of such occupancy. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Conditional Use. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for any development in a C-O zone:
1. 
SEPA categorical exemptions shall not be applicable. All conditional use proposals for development within a C-O zone shall require a SEPA checklist, required application fee and compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 17.15 CMC, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including mitigating conditions.
C. 
Excavation or grading of any development site which involves both:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area; and
2. 
Transportation of any excavated or graded material to any off-site location;
shall require an application to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a surface mining reclamation permit and compliance with any conditions of approval for such permit unless the DNR advises the city in writing that such permit is not required for the subject proposal.
D. 
Incidental Sales (e.g., Garage Sales).
1. 
Shall not occur for more than four consecutive days per sale;
2. 
Shall not occur more frequently than quarterly (at least 90 days between such sales);
3. 
Shall not involve the sale or other disposition of toxic, hazardous, or dangerous substances or chemicals, or flammable or combustible liquids;
4. 
Shall not occur on any public right-of-way;
5. 
Shall not create any public nuisance or traffic hazard; and
6. 
Shall not constitute a home occupation.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 31, 2025)

§ 17.57.110 Signs.

A. 
All signs shall comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 17.86 CMC, Signs (General), and shall require a sign construction permit unless specifically exempted.
B. 
Address numbers required by CMC § 17.83.090 shall not be considered to be a sign.
C. 
On-premises signs are permitted, and illumination is permitted except where specifically prohibited.
D. 
One freestanding sign and one wall sign shall be permitted for each lot; provided, that total signage shall be limited to one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of street frontage.
E. 
One nonilluminated real estate sign (either owner or agent) of not more than 16 square feet per each street frontage shall be allowed and shall not require a permit. Such sign shall be removed upon sale of the premises.
F. 
One temporary construction sign not exceeding 25 square feet of sign area shall be allowed while construction is being completed and shall not require a permit.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002)

§ 17.57.120 Hazardous waste.

A. 
On-site treatment and/or storage of hazardous waste which may be an accessory or ancillary aspect of any approved permitted or conditional use may be allowed; provided, that such activity meets the siting criteria of RCW 70.105.210 and any amendments thereto, in addition to any conditions of approval attached by the city.
B. 
Hazardous waste storage facilities shall not be permitted.
C. 
Hazardous waste treatment facilities shall not be permitted.
D. 
Any hazardous waste management activity which requires a Washington State Dangerous Waste Permit pursuant to Chapter 173-303 WAC shall submit a copy of such permit approval to the city prior to initiating such activity.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002)

§ 17.60.001 Intent.

The intent of the C-N zone is to provide an area for development of unique, historic or specialized commercial shopping or destination districts within a larger residential area. Such development would require review and zoning controls related to the site-specific development proposal (e.g., Sellwood district in Portland).
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 33, 2025)

§ 17.60.010 Uses.

Reserved.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 33, 2025)

§ 17.60.020 Bulk regulations (C-N zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Min. Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Min. Alley Setback
DU Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
1 acre of contiguous commercial zones
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
80%
35'
10'
5'
None
0/0 units/acre
Accessory
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
25%
35'
10'
5'
None
0/0 units/acre
Condition-al
—
—
—
80%
35'
10'
5'
None
0/0 units/acre
Temporary
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
80%
35'
10'
5'
None
0/0 units/acre
Notes:
A.
Minimum DU density is calculated on the zone; maximum DU density is calculated on the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 33, 2025)

§ 17.63.001 Intent.

The intent of the C-G zone is to provide an area for development of general commercial businesses, offices, retail stores, institutions, and similar commercial uses, with zoning controls designed to require mitigation of significant impacts which may occur with such development.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.63.010 Uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the C-G zone shall be those uses listed as “permitted” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), and in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
B. 
Conditional uses in the C-G zone shall be those uses listed as “conditional” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), or in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
C. 
Accessory uses and temporary uses listed in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, are allowed in a C-G zone if they are consistent with all applicable provisions of this title.
D. 
Uses which are not listed as permitted, accessory, temporary, conditional or prohibited in the C-G zone, and which are not listed as prohibited in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title) or special district (Division IV of this title), may be submitted as conditional use applications consistent with CMC § 17.09.185. Such applications shall not be approved unless the applicant demonstrates consistency with all applicable review and approval criteria.
E. 
All uses in a C-G zone shall occur, or be contained, within development consistent with CMC § 17.63.020 and all other applicable provisions of this title, including the building and fire codes.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.63.020 Bulk regulations (C-G zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Minimum Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Minimum Alley Setback
DU Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
1 acre of contiguous commercial zones
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
100%
50'
10'
3'
None
0/24 units/acre
Accessory
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
50%
50'
10'
3'
None
0/24 units/acre
Condition-al
—
—
—
100%
50'
10'
3'
None
0/24 units/acre
Temporary
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
100%
50'
10'
3'
None
0/24 units/acre
Notes:
A.
Minimum DU density is calculated on the zone; maximum DU density is calculated on the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.63.030 Parking and loading.

All development and uses shall be consistent with the general requirements of Chapter 17.84 CMC.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.63.040 Fences, walls, and hedges.

A. 
Fences within any street setback area shall be limited to:
1. 
Forty-two inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is more than 50 percent opaque;
2. 
Forty-eight inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is 50 percent or less opaque.
B. 
Fences which are not located within any street setback area shall be limited to seven feet high above adjacent grade, plus not more than an additional two feet of ornamental, decorative, and/or security devices, or fixtures atop a regular fence structure.
C. 
No residential fence shall contain barbed wire, broken glass, electricity, or any other hazardous material or substance.
D. 
Where a legally established use exists requiring the containment of farm animals or livestock, barbed wire or an electric fence may be used; provided, that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property, and warning signs are posted consistent with CMC § 17.51.110.
E. 
Swimming pools shall require a minimum five-foot-high fence, but not more than six feet high, completely surrounding and securing the area of the pool. Such fence shall not be located within any street setback area. Portions of such a fence need not be provided where a secure building will accomplish the same manner of access and/or control as a fence.
F. 
Retaining walls shall be located entirely upon private property except where required by the public works director to protect public property.
G. 
A retaining wall shall not project higher than six inches above the higher adjacent grade except when it is a structural element of a building or structure.
H. 
Retaining walls which are higher than four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall shall comply with applicable provisions of the building code, including permit requirements.
I. 
Retaining walls which serve as a structural element of any building or structure shall comply with the applicable provisions of the building code.
J. 
A hedge shall comply with the requirements for a fence; provided, hedges which are not located within a street setback, and do not otherwise constitute a traffic visibility obstruction on any right-of-way or alley, or any public nuisance condition, are not limited in height.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 961B § 8, 2016; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.63.050 Accessory building.

A. 
All permitted accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 17.63.020.
B. 
An accessory building shall comply with all applicable building code requirements for the permitted use or occupancy.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.63.060 Projections into public right-of-way.

Projections into or over public rights-of-way shall be consistent with the development engineering standards, require approval of the public works director, and compliance with any conditions of approval.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.63.070 Landscape requirements.

A. 
No unprotected earth or soil shall be permitted to remain on site subsequent to construction or development. All filling, grading and/or excavating activity shall comply with applicable provisions of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the development engineering standards for protection of public water supply systems (crossconnection control) and shall be designed so that surface water generated by such an irrigation system shall not flow onto public property or any wetland, except within an approved storm water management system.
C. 
Site development and landscaping shall maintain an approved means of egress as specified in the building code from the primary exit from any habitable structure to a public right-of-way or alley.
D. 
Landscape plantings and/or ground cover may be of any type to prevent erosion of soil from the site; provided, only naturally occurring and/or noninvasive species of vegetation may be planted or allowed to grow within a wetland or wetland buffer.
E. 
Parking lot landscaping shall be consistent with the minimum requirements of CMC § 17.84.040.
F. 
Required street setbacks shall be landscaped with any combination of ground cover and/or evergreen plantings. Decorative or ornamental site work (e.g., fountains, statues, walkways, etc.) shall not exceed 50 percent of the setback area.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.63.080 Essential services/utilities.

A. 
Essential services for any proposed development shall be available to serve such development prior to occupancy. Essential services which the city determines cannot be made available prior to such occupancy shall cause the city to deny issuance of all development permits for such development.
B. 
Required utility service (water, sewer, storm water) for any development shall be approved by the public works director prior to issuance of any development permits.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.63.090 Off-site improvements.

Any off-site improvements required by the development engineering standards for the specific development proposal shall become an integral part of the development proposal and shall be reviewed and approved by the DRC as part of the proposal. The public works director may require a separate permit application for work upon a public right-of-way consistent with Chapter 17.93 CMC and/or the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.63.100 Special provisions.

A. 
Any approved development with an occupant load of 100 or more persons, or containing 20 or more residential dwelling units or guest rooms, shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an arterial street within 300 feet of such occupancy, or at an approved location within such development. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards if located upon a public or private right-of-way.
B. 
Conditional Use. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for any development in a C-G zone:
1. 
SEPA categorical exemptions shall not be applicable. All conditional use proposals for development within a C-G zone shall require a SEPA checklist, required application fee and compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 17.15 CMC, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including mitigating conditions.
C. 
Excavation or grading of any development site which involves both:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area; and
2. 
Transportation of any excavated or graded material to any off-site location;
shall require an application to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a Surface Mining Reclamation Permit and compliance with any conditions of approval for such permit unless the DNR advises the city in writing that such permit is not required for the subject proposal.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.63.110 Signs.

A. 
All signs shall comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 17.86 CMC, Signs (General), and shall require a sign construction permit unless specifically exempted.
B. 
Address numbers required by CMC § 17.83.090 shall not be considered to be a sign.
C. 
Except where otherwise permitted by special use permit, any signs permitted within these districts shall be on-premises signs.
D. 
Revolving pole or freestanding signs shall not exceed five revolutions per minute.
E. 
Signs attached to the bottom of a marquee, canopy or permanent walkway cover (under-marquee signs) shall not exceed one for each of the business entrances on the premises, with sign area not to exceed six square feet per sign face. Such sign shall be located in front of the business adjacent to the main entrance and shall be located no less than eight feet above the grade of the sidewalk or walkway nearest the sign.
F. 
Freestanding signs shall not exceed 30 feet in height.
G. 
Each single-tenant building shall be permitted one freestanding sign, with a maximum sign area of one square foot for each linear foot of main street frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet.
H. 
Each multi-tenant building shall be permitted one freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of one and one-half square feet for each one foot of linear main street frontage, not to exceed 250 square feet. In addition, a maximum of 25 square feet of directory sign for each tenant shall be allowed, not to exceed 100 square feet per building.
I. 
Each multi-building complex shall be permitted one freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of one and one-half square feet for each one foot of linear main street frontage, not to exceed 250 square feet. In addition, a maximum of 25 square feet of directory sign for each tenant shall be allowed, not to exceed 100 square feet total per complex.
J. 
On a business multi-tenant building, or multibuilding complex, with total linear frontage on the main street of more than 300 feet, the business shall be allowed one additional freestanding sign for each 300 linear feet of frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet. Signs shall be placed at least 150 feet apart.
K. 
Tourist-oriented businesses adjacent to I-5 may be permitted one additional freestanding sign advertising the availability of gas, food and/or lodging, which sign is oriented toward visibility on the freeway. Such a sign shall comply with all other applicable development criteria.
L. 
Projecting signs shall not exceed one for each business on the premises, with the sign area not to exceed one square foot for each linear foot of business frontage. Such sign shall not be less than eight feet above grade of the closest sidewalk, nor extend more than eight feet beyond the wall of the building to which it is attached. A projecting sign shall be permitted 16 square feet regardless of building frontage. Such sign shall not extend more than two feet above the roofline, parapet or facade of the building and shall be located at least three feet inside the curb line. Businesses located in a multi-building complex or a multi-tenant building may be permitted a projecting sign in lieu of a wall sign.
M. 
Wall signs (painted or other) shall be calculated by two square feet of signage for each one foot of linear lot frontage or business establishment frontage, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of 360 square feet per business. If any business has only a wall sign, it shall be permitted 60 square feet regardless of street or building frontage.
N. 
In a multi-tenant building, any business which has an outside entrance which opens directly to the business shall be allowed a wall sign with an area equal to two square feet per one linear foot of length of the business facade; provided, if the businesses located within the building do not have outside entrances, the total square footage shall be assigned on the basis of two square feet per linear foot of main street frontage, and it shall be the responsibility of the building owner or manager to establish the signage allowed to each business.
O. 
In a multi-building complex, each building shall be allowed wall signage based on the building frontage.
P. 
Marquee signs shall be treated as wall signs.
Q. 
Signs may be erected upon off-street parking lots:
1. 
Wording on the sign shall be limited to the name of the business and may include the words “Customer Parking Only,” and/or “Tow-away” information;
2. 
One such sign not larger than 20 square feet shall be permitted at each entrance;
3. 
A permit shall be required for such signs.
R. 
Additional signs are permitted as follows:
1. 
Directional signs giving directions to motorists regarding the location of parking areas, delivery areas, access drives and accessways shall not exceed six square feet per sign face and shall meet the location requirements of this chapter. Permits are not required.
2. 
Real estate signs shall not exceed one for each street frontage and shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign face and shall not be illuminated. Permits are not required.
3. 
Incidental signs shall be restricted to one per 25 feet of principal street frontage, shall not exceed eight square feet, and no such business shall be allowed more than four such signs. Incidental signs shall include, but are not limited to, gasoline price signs, bank interest signs, and signs advertising a specific product or service. Such signs shall conform to the regulations of this chapter.
4. 
Paper or other temporary signs (including painted signs which can be easily removed by washing) may be affixed or otherwise attached to or displayed within glass display windows of commercial establishments and stores without the requirement of a permit being obtained therefor; provided, however, that no such sign shall exceed 50 percent of the open window space, and shall not exceed a maximum of 75 square feet.
5. 
Credit card (monetary, institutional, and the like) signs, decals, or emblems shall be additionally allowed, but limited to 24 square inches, or an aggregate of 96 square inches per business premises.
6. 
Signs which are permanently painted upon a window surface shall be treated as a wall sign and included in the total allowable sign area.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.63.120 Hazardous waste.

A. 
On-site treatment and/or storage of hazardous waste which may be an accessory or ancillary aspect of any approved permitted or conditional use may be allowed; provided, that such activity meets the siting criteria of RCW 70.105.210 and any amendments thereto, in addition to any conditions of approval attached by the city.
B. 
Hazardous waste storage facilities shall not be permitted.
C. 
Hazardous waste treatment facilities shall not be permitted.
D. 
Any hazardous waste management activity which requires a Washington State Dangerous Waste Permit pursuant to Chapter 173-303 WAC shall submit a copy of such permit approval to the city prior to initiating such activity.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 34, 2025)

§ 17.66.001 Intent.

The intent of the C-F zone is to provide an area for development of freeway-oriented businesses, primarily tourist facilities such as gas, food and lodging, and retail trade/shopping centers. Zoning controls will provide for such development and minimize the intrusion of non-freeway-oriented development in such an area.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.66.010 Uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the C-F zone shall be those uses listed as “permitted” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), and in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
B. 
Conditional uses in the C-F zone shall be those uses listed as “conditional” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), or in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
C. 
Accessory uses and temporary uses listed in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, are allowed in a C-F zone if they are consistent with all applicable provisions of this title.
D. 
Uses which are not listed as permitted, accessory, temporary, conditional or prohibited in the C-F zone, and which are not listed as prohibited in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title) or special district (Division IV of this title), may be submitted as conditional use applications consistent with CMC § 17.09.185. Such applications shall not be approved unless the applicant demonstrates consistency with all applicable review and approval criteria.
E. 
All uses in a C-F zone shall occur, or be contained, within development consistent with CMC § 17.66.020 and all other applicable provisions of this title, including the building and fire codes.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.66.020 Bulk regulations (C-F zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Minimum Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Minimum Alley Setback
DU Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
1 acre of contiguous commercial zones
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
100%
50'
None
None
None
0/0 units/acre
Accessory
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
50%
50'
None
None
None
0/0 units/acre
Condition-al
—
—
—
100%
50'
None
None
None
0/0 units/acre
Temporary
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
100%
50'
None
None
None
0/0 units/acre
Notes:
A.
Minimum DU density is calculated on the zone; maximum DU density is calculated on the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.66.030 Parking and loading.

All development and uses shall be consistent with the general requirements of Chapter 17.84 CMC.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.66.040 Fences, walls, and hedges.

A. 
Fences shall be limited to seven feet high above adjacent grade, plus not more than an additional two feet of ornamental, decorative, and/or security devices, or fixtures atop a regular fence structure.
B. 
Where a legally established use exists requiring the containment of farm animals or livestock, barbed wire or an electric fence may be used; provided, that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property, and warning signs are posted consistent with CMC § 17.51.110.
C. 
Swimming pools shall require a minimum five-foot-high fence, but not more than six feet high, completely surrounding and securing the area of the pool. Such fence shall not be located within any street setback area. Portions of such a fence need not be provided where a secure building will accomplish the same manner of access and/or control as a fence.
D. 
Retaining walls shall be located entirely upon private property except where required by the public works director to protect public property.
E. 
A retaining wall shall not project higher than six inches above the higher adjacent grade except when it is a structural element of a building or structure.
F. 
Retaining walls which are higher than four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall shall comply with applicable provisions of the building code, including permit requirements.
G. 
Retaining walls which serve as a structural element of any building or structure shall comply with the applicable provisions of the building code.
H. 
A hedge shall comply with the requirements for a fence; provided, hedges which are not located within a street setback, and do not otherwise constitute a traffic visibility obstruction on any right-of-way or alley, or any public nuisance condition, are not limited in height.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 961B § 9, 2016; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.66.050 Accessory building.

A. 
All permitted accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 17.66.020.
B. 
An accessory building shall comply with all applicable building code requirements for the permitted use or occupancy.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.66.060 Projections into public right-of-way.

Projections into or over public rights-of-way shall be consistent with the development engineering standards, require approval of the public works director, and compliance with any conditions of approval.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.66.070 Landscape requirements.

A. 
No unprotected earth or soil shall be permitted to remain on site subsequent to construction or development. All filling, grading and/or excavating activity shall comply with applicable provisions of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the development engineering standards for protection of public water supply systems (crossconnection control) and shall be designed so that surface water generated by such an irrigation system shall not flow onto public property or any wetland, except within an approved storm water management system.
C. 
Site development and landscaping shall maintain an approved means of egress as specified in the building code from the primary exit from any habitable structure to a public right-of-way or alley.
D. 
Landscape plantings and/or ground cover may be of any type to prevent erosion of soil from the site; provided, only naturally occurring and/or noninvasive species of vegetation may be planted or allowed to grow within a wetland or wetland buffer.
E. 
Parking lot landscaping shall be consistent with the minimum requirements of CMC § 17.84.040.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.66.080 Essential services/utilities.

A. 
Essential services for any proposed development shall be available to serve such development prior to occupancy. Essential services which the city determines cannot be made available prior to such occupancy shall cause the city to deny issuance of all development permits for such development.
B. 
Required utility service (water, sewer, storm water) for any development shall be approved by the public works director prior to issuance of any development permits.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.66.090 Off-site improvements.

Any off-site improvements required by the development engineering standards for the specific development proposal shall become an integral part of the development proposal and shall be reviewed and approved by the DRC as part of the proposal. The public works director may require a separate permit application for work upon a public right-of-way consistent with Chapter 17.93 CMC and/or the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.66.100 Special provisions.

A. 
Any approved development with an occupant load of 100 or more persons, or containing 20 or more residential dwelling units or guest rooms, shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an arterial street within 300 feet of such occupancy, or at an approved location within such development. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards if located upon a public or private right-of-way.
B. 
Conditional Use. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for any development in a C-F zone:
1. 
SEPA categorical exemptions shall not be applicable. All conditional use proposals for development within a C-F zone shall require a SEPA checklist, required application fee and compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 17.15 CMC, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including mitigating conditions.
C. 
Excavation or grading of any development site which involves both:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area; and
2. 
Transportation of any excavated or graded material to any off-site location;
shall require an application to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a surface mining reclamation permit and compliance with any conditions of approval for such permit unless the DNR advises the city in writing that such permit is not required for the subject proposal.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.66.110 Signs.

A. 
All signs shall comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 17.86 CMC, Signs (General), and shall require a sign construction permit unless specifically exempted.
B. 
Address numbers required by CMC § 17.83.090 shall not be considered to be a sign.
C. 
Except where otherwise permitted by special use permit, any signs permitted within these districts shall be on-premises signs.
D. 
Revolving pole or freestanding signs shall not exceed five revolutions per minute.
E. 
Signs attached to the bottom of a marquee, canopy or permanent walkway cover (under-marquee signs) shall not exceed one for each of the business entrances on the premises, with sign area not to exceed six square feet per sign face. Such sign shall be located in front of the business adjacent to the main entrance and shall be located no less than eight feet above the grade of the sidewalk or walkway nearest the sign.
F. 
Freestanding signs shall not exceed 30 feet in height.
G. 
Each single-tenant building shall be permitted one freestanding sign, with a maximum sign area of one square foot for each linear foot of main street frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet.
H. 
Each multi-tenant building shall be permitted one freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of one and one-half square feet for each one foot of linear main street frontage, not to exceed 250 square feet. In addition, a maximum of 25 square feet of directory sign for each tenant shall be allowed, not to exceed 100 square feet per building.
I. 
Each multi-building complex shall be permitted one freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of one and one-half square feet for each one foot of linear main street frontage, not to exceed 250 square feet. In addition, a maximum of 25 square feet of directory sign for each tenant shall be allowed, not to exceed 100 square feet total per complex.
J. 
On a business multi-tenant building, or multi-building complex, with total linear frontage on the main street of more than 300 feet, the business shall be allowed one additional freestanding sign for each 300 linear feet of frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet. Signs shall be placed at least 150 feet apart.
K. 
Tourist-oriented businesses adjacent to I-5 may be permitted one additional freestanding sign advertising the availability of gas, food and/or lodging, which sign is oriented toward visibility on the freeway. Such a sign shall comply with all other applicable development criteria.
L. 
Projecting signs shall not exceed one for each business on the premises, with the sign area not to exceed one square foot for each linear foot of business frontage. Such sign shall not be less than eight feet above grade of the closest sidewalk, nor extend more than eight feet beyond the wall of the building to which it is attached. A projecting sign shall be permitted 16 square feet regardless of building frontage. Such sign shall not extend more than two feet above the roofline, parapet or facade of the building and shall be located at least three feet inside the curb line. Businesses located in a multi-building complex or a multi-tenant building may be permitted a projecting sign in lieu of a wall sign.
M. 
Wall signs (painted or other) shall be calculated by two square feet of signage for each one foot of linear lot frontage or business establishment frontage, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of 360 square feet per business. If any business has only a wall sign, it shall be permitted 60 square feet regardless of street or building frontage.
N. 
In a multi-tenant building, any business which has an outside entrance which opens directly to the business shall be allowed a wall sign with an area equal to two square feet per one linear foot of length of the business facade; provided, if the businesses located within the building do not have outside entrances, the total square footage shall be assigned on the basis of two square feet per linear foot of main street frontage, and it shall be the responsibility of the building owner or manager to establish the signage allowed to each business.
O. 
In a multi-building complex, each building shall be allowed wall signage based on the building frontage.
P. 
Marquee signs shall be treated as wall signs.
Q. 
Signs may be erected upon off-street parking lots:
1. 
Wording on the sign shall be limited to the name of the business and may include the words “Customer Parking Only,” and/or “Tow-away” information;
2. 
One such sign not larger than 20 square feet shall be permitted at each entrance;
3. 
A permit shall be required for such signs.
R. 
Additional signs are permitted as follows:
1. 
Directional signs giving directions to motorists regarding the location of parking areas, delivery areas, access drives and accessways shall not exceed six square feet per sign face and shall meet the location requirements of this chapter. Permits are not required.
2. 
Real estate signs shall not exceed one for each street frontage and shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign face and shall not be illuminated. Permits are not required.
3. 
Incidental signs shall be restricted to one per 25 feet of principal street frontage, shall not exceed eight square feet, and no such business shall be allowed more than four such signs. Incidental signs shall include, but are not limited to, gasoline price signs, bank interest signs, and signs advertising a specific product or service. Such signs shall conform to the regulations of this chapter.
4. 
Paper or other temporary signs (including painted signs which can be easily removed by washing) may be affixed or otherwise attached to or displayed within glass display windows of commercial establishments and stores without the requirement of a permit being obtained therefor; provided, however, that no such sign shall exceed 50 percent of the open window space, and shall not exceed a maximum of 75 square feet.
5. 
Credit card (monetary, institutional, and the like) signs, decals, or emblems shall be additionally allowed, but limited to 24 square inches, or an aggregate of 96 square inches per business premises.
6. 
Signs which are permanently painted upon a window surface shall be treated as a wall sign and included in the total allowable sign area.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.66.120 Hazardous waste.

A. 
On-site treatment and/or storage of hazardous waste which may be an accessory or ancillary aspect of any approved permitted or conditional use may be allowed; provided, that such activity meets the siting criteria of RCW 70.105.210 and any amendments thereto, in addition to any conditions of approval attached by the city.
B. 
Hazardous waste storage facilities shall not be permitted.
C. 
Hazardous waste treatment facilities shall not be permitted.
D. 
Any hazardous waste management activity which requires a Washington State Dangerous Waste Permit pursuant to Chapter 173-303 WAC shall submit a copy of such permit approval to the city prior to initiating such activity.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 35, 2025)

§ 17.69.001 Intent.

The intent of the CBD zone is to provide an area for development of high density commercial activity, typically pedestrian-oriented, with zoning controls designed to accommodate the unique characteristics of such an urban or core-area development.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.69.010 Uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the CBD zone shall be those uses listed as “permitted” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), and in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
B. 
Conditional uses in the CBD zone shall be those uses listed as “conditional” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), or in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
C. 
Accessory uses and temporary uses listed in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, are allowed in a CBD zone if they are consistent with all applicable provisions of this title.
D. 
Uses which are not listed as permitted, accessory, temporary, conditional or prohibited in the CBD zone, and which are not listed as prohibited in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title) or special district (Division IV of this title), may be submitted as conditional use applications consistent with CMC § 17.09.185. Such applications shall not be approved unless the applicant demonstrates consistency with all applicable review and approval criteria.
E. 
All uses in a CBD zone shall occur, or be contained, within development consistent with CMC § 17.69.020 and all other applicable provisions of this title, including the building and fire codes.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.69.020 Bulk regulations (CBD zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Minimum Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Minimum Alley Setback
DU Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
1 acre of contiguous commercial zones
1,000 sq. ft.
20'
100%
100'
None
None
None
0/24 units/acre
Accessory
—
1,000 sq. ft.
20'
50%
100'
None
None
None
0/24 units/acre
Condition-al
—
—
—
100%
100'
None
None
None
0/24 units/acre
Temporary
—
1,000 sq. ft.
20'
100%
100'
None
None
None
0/24 units/acre
Notes:
A.
Minimum DU density is calculated on the zone; maximum DU density is calculated on the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.69.030 Parking and loading.

All development and uses shall be consistent with the general requirements of Chapter 17.84 CMC.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.69.040 Fences, walls, and hedges.

A. 
Fences shall be limited to seven feet high above adjacent grade.
B. 
Where a legally established use exists requiring the containment of farm animals or livestock, barbed wire or an electric fence may be used; provided, that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property, and warning signs are posted consistent with CMC § 17.51.110.
C. 
Swimming pools shall require a minimum five-foot-high fence, but not more than six feet high, completely surrounding and securing the area of the pool. Such fence shall not be located within any street setback area. Portions of such a fence need not be provided where a secure building will accomplish the same manner of access and/or control as a fence.
D. 
Retaining walls shall be located entirely upon private property except where required by the public works director to protect public property.
E. 
A retaining wall shall not project higher than six inches above the higher adjacent grade except when it is a structural element of a building or structure.
F. 
Retaining walls which are higher than four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall shall comply with applicable provisions of the building code, including permit requirements.
G. 
Retaining walls which serve as a structural element of any building or structure shall comply with the applicable provisions of the building code.
H. 
A hedge shall comply with the requirements for a fence; provided, hedges which are not located within a street setback, and do not otherwise constitute a traffic visibility obstruction on any right-of-way or alley, or any public nuisance condition, are not limited in height.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 961B § 10, 2016; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.69.050 Accessory building.

A. 
All permitted accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 17.69.020.
B. 
An accessory building shall comply with all applicable building code requirements for the permitted use or occupancy.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.69.060 Projections into public right-of-way.

Projections into or over public rights-of-way shall be consistent with the development engineering standards, require approval of the public works director, and compliance with any conditions of approval.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.69.070 Landscape requirements.

A. 
No unprotected earth or soil shall be permitted to remain on site subsequent to construction or development. All filling, grading and/or excavating activity shall comply with applicable provisions of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the development engineering standards for protection of public water supply systems (crossconnection control) and shall be designed so that surface water generated by such an irrigation system shall not flow onto public property or any wetland, except within an approved storm water management system.
C. 
Site development and landscaping shall maintain an approved means of egress as specified in the building code from the primary exit from any habitable structure to a public right-of-way or alley.
D. 
Landscape plantings and/or ground cover may be of any type to prevent erosion of soil from the site; provided, only naturally occurring and/or noninvasive species of vegetation may be planted or allowed to grow within a wetland or wetland buffer.
E. 
Parking lot landscaping shall be consistent with the minimum requirements of CMC § 17.84.040.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.69.080 Essential services/utilities.

A. 
Essential services for any proposed development shall be available to serve such development prior to occupancy. Essential services which the city determines cannot be made available prior to such occupancy shall cause the city to deny issuance of all development permits for such development.
B. 
Required utility service (water, sewer, storm water) for any development shall be approved by the public works director prior to issuance of any development permits.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.69.090 Off-site improvements.

Any off-site improvements required by the development engineering standards for the specific development proposal shall become an integral part of the development proposal and shall be reviewed and approved by the DRC as part of the proposal. The public works director may require a separate permit application for work upon a public right-of-way consistent with Chapter 17.93 CMC and/or the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.69.100 Special provisions.

A. 
Conditional Use. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for any development in a CBD zone:
1. 
SEPA categorical exemptions shall not be applicable. All conditional use proposals for development within a CBD zone shall require a SEPA checklist, required application fee and compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 17.15 CMC, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including mitigating conditions.
B. 
Excavation or grading of any development site which involves both:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area; and
2. 
Transportation of any excavated or graded material to any off-site location;
shall require an application to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a surface mining reclamation permit and compliance with any conditions of approval for such permit unless the DNR advises the city in writing that such permit is not required for the subject proposal.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.69.110 Signs.

A. 
All signs shall comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 17.86 CMC, Signs (General), and shall require a sign construction permit unless specifically exempted.
B. 
Address numbers required by CMC § 17.83.090 shall not be considered to be a sign.
C. 
Except where otherwise permitted by special use permit, any signs permitted within these districts shall be on-premises signs.
D. 
Revolving pole or freestanding signs shall not exceed five revolutions per minute.
E. 
Signs attached to the bottom of a marquee, canopy or permanent walkway cover (under-marquee signs) shall not exceed one for each of the business entrances on the premises, with sign area not to exceed six square feet per sign face. Such sign shall be located in front of the business adjacent to the main entrance and shall be located no less than eight feet above the grade of the sidewalk or walkway nearest the sign.
F. 
Freestanding signs shall not exceed 30 feet in height.
G. 
Each single-tenant building shall be permitted one freestanding sign, with a maximum sign area of one square foot for each linear foot of main street frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet.
H. 
Each multi-tenant building shall be permitted one freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of one and one-half square feet for each one foot of linear main street frontage, not to exceed 250 square feet. In addition, a maximum of 25 square feet of directory sign for each tenant shall be allowed, not to exceed 100 square feet per building.
I. 
Each multi-building complex shall be permitted one freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of one and one-half square feet for each one foot of linear main street frontage, not to exceed 250 square feet. In addition, a maximum of 25 square feet of directory sign for each tenant shall be allowed, not to exceed 100 square feet total per complex.
J. 
On a business multi-tenant building, or multi-building complex, with total linear frontage on the main street of more than 300 feet, the business shall be allowed one additional freestanding sign for each 300 linear feet of frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet. Signs shall be placed at least 150 feet apart.
K. 
Projecting signs shall not exceed one for each business on the premises, with the sign area not to exceed one square foot for each linear foot of business frontage. Such sign shall not be less than eight feet above grade of the closest sidewalk, nor extend more than eight feet beyond the wall of the building to which it is attached. A projecting sign shall be permitted 16 square feet regardless of building frontage. Such sign shall not extend more than two feet above the roofline, parapet or facade of the building and shall be located at least three feet inside the curb line. Businesses located in a multi-building complex or a multi-tenant building may be permitted a projecting sign in lieu of a wall sign.
L. 
Wall signs (painted or other) shall be calculated by two square feet of signage for each one foot of linear lot frontage or business establishment frontage, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of 360 square feet per business. If any business has only a wall sign, it shall be permitted 60 square feet regardless of street or building frontage.
M. 
In a multi-tenant building, any business which has an outside entrance which opens directly to the business shall be allowed a wall sign with an area equal to two square feet per one linear foot of length of the business facade; provided, if the businesses located within the building do not have outside entrances, the total square footage shall be assigned on the basis of two square feet per linear foot of main street frontage, and it shall be the responsibility of the building owner or manager to establish the signage allowed to each business.
N. 
In a multi-building complex, each building shall be allowed wall signage based on the building frontage.
O. 
Marquee signs shall be treated as wall signs.
P. 
Signs may be erected upon off-street parking lots:
1. 
Wording on the sign shall be limited to the name of the business and may include the words “Customer Parking Only,” and/or “Tow-away” information;
2. 
One such sign not larger than 20 square feet shall be permitted at each entrance to the parking lot;
3. 
A permit shall be required for such parking lot signs.
Q. 
Additional signs are permitted as follows:
1. 
Directional signs giving directions to motorists regarding the location of parking areas, delivery areas, access drives and accessways shall not exceed six square feet per sign face and shall meet the location requirements of this chapter. Permits are not required.
2. 
Real estate signs shall not exceed one for each street frontage and shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign face and shall not be illuminated. Permits are not required.
3. 
Incidental signs shall be restricted to one per 25 feet of principal street frontage, shall not exceed eight square feet, and no such business shall be allowed more than four such signs. Incidental signs shall include, but are not limited to, gasoline price signs, bank interest signs, and signs advertising a specific product or service. Such signs shall conform to the regulations of this chapter.
4. 
Paper or other temporary signs (including painted signs which can be easily removed by washing) may be affixed or otherwise attached to or displayed within glass display windows of commercial establishments and stores without the requirement of a permit being obtained therefor; provided, however, that no such sign shall exceed 50 percent of the open window space, and shall not exceed a maximum of 75 square feet.
5. 
Credit card (monetary, institutional, and the like) signs, decals, or emblems shall be additionally allowed, but limited to 24 square inches, or an aggregate of 96 square inches per business premises.
6. 
Signs which are permanently painted upon a window surface shall be treated as a wall sign and included in the total allowable sign area.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.69.120 Hazardous waste.

A. 
On-site treatment and/or storage of hazardous waste which may be an accessory or ancillary aspect of any approved permitted or conditional use may be allowed; provided, that such activity meets the siting criteria of RCW 70.105.210 and any amendments thereto, in addition to any conditions of approval attached by the city.
B. 
Hazardous waste storage facilities shall not be permitted.
C. 
Hazardous waste treatment facilities shall not be permitted.
D. 
Any hazardous waste management activity which requires a Washington State Dangerous Waste Permit pursuant to Chapter 173-303 WAC shall submit a copy of such permit approval to the city prior to initiating such activity.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 36, 2025)

§ 17.72.001 Intent.

The intent of the I-L zone is to provide an area for development of limited industrial uses, typically contained within a building, limited commercial retail activity, typically large, bulky products, and employee-related accessory uses. Zoning controls will be designed to require mitigation of impacts which may occur with such development.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.72.010 Uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the I-L zone shall be those uses listed as “permitted” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), and in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
B. 
Conditional uses in the I-L zone shall be those uses listed as “conditional” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), or in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
C. 
Accessory uses and temporary uses listed in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, are allowed in an I-L zone if they are consistent with all applicable provisions of this title.
D. 
Uses which are not listed as permitted, accessory, temporary, conditional or prohibited in the I-L zone, and which are not listed as prohibited in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title) or special district (Division IV of this title), may be submitted as conditional use applications consistent with CMC § 17.09.185. Such applications shall not be approved unless the applicant demonstrates consistency with all applicable review and approval criteria.
E. 
All uses in an I-L zone shall occur, or be contained, within development consistent with CMC § 17.72.020 and all other applicable provisions of this title, including the building and fire codes.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.72.020 Bulk regulations (I-L zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Minimum Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Minimum Alley Setback
DU Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
10 acres of contiguous industrial zones
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
100%
100'
10'
None
None
0/0 units/acre
Accessory
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
50%
100'
10'
None
None
0/0 units/acre
Condition-al
—
—
—
100%
100'
10'
None
None
0/0 units/acre
Temporary
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
100%
100'
10'
None
None
0/0 units/acre
Notes:
A.
Minimum DU density is calculated on the zone; maximum DU density is calculated on the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.72.030 Parking and loading.

All development and uses shall be consistent with the general requirements of Chapter 17.84 CMC.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.72.040 Fences, walls, and hedges.

A. 
Fences within any street setback area shall be limited to:
1. 
Forty-two inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is more than 50 percent opaque;
2. 
Forty-eight inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is 50 percent or less opaque.
B. 
Fences which are not located within any street setback area shall be limited to seven feet high above adjacent grade, plus not more than an additional two feet of ornamental, decorative, and/or security devices, or fixtures atop a regular fence structure.
C. 
No residential fence shall contain barbed wire, broken glass, electricity, or any other hazardous material or substance.
D. 
Where a legally established use exists requiring the containment of farm animals or livestock, barbed wire or an electric fence may be used; provided, that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property, and warning signs are posted consistent with CMC § 17.51.110.
E. 
Swimming pools shall require a minimum five-foot-high fence, but not more than six feet high, completely surrounding and securing the area of the pool. Such fence shall not be located within any street setback area. Portions of such a fence need not be provided where a secure building will accomplish the same manner of access and/or control as a fence.
F. 
Retaining walls shall be located entirely upon private property except where required by the public works director to protect public property.
G. 
A retaining wall shall not project higher than six inches above the higher adjacent grade except when it is a structural element of a building or structure.
H. 
Retaining walls which are higher than four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall shall comply with applicable provisions of the building code, including permit requirements.
I. 
Retaining walls which serve as a structural element of any building or structure shall comply with the applicable provisions of the building code.
J. 
A hedge shall comply with the requirements for a fence; provided, hedges which are not located within a street setback, and do not otherwise constitute a traffic visibility obstruction on any right-of-way or alley, or any public nuisance condition, are not limited in height.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 961B § 11, 2016; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.72.050 Accessory building.

A. 
All permitted accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 17.72.020.
B. 
An accessory building shall comply with all applicable building code requirements for the permitted use or occupancy.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.72.060 Projections into public right-of-way.

Projections into or over public rights-of-way shall be consistent with the development engineering standards, require approval of the public works director, and compliance with any conditions of approval.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.72.070 Landscape requirements.

A. 
No unprotected earth or soil shall be permitted to remain on site subsequent to construction or development. All filling, grading and/or excavating activity shall comply with applicable provisions of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the development engineering standards for protection of public water supply systems (crossconnection control) and shall be designed so that surface water generated by such an irrigation system shall not flow onto public property or any wetland, except within an approved storm water management system.
C. 
Site development and landscaping shall maintain an approved means of egress as specified in the building code from the primary exit from any habitable structure to a public right-of-way or alley.
D. 
Landscape plantings and/or ground cover may be of any type to prevent erosion of soil from the site; provided, only naturally occurring and/or noninvasive species of vegetation may be planted or allowed to grow within a wetland or wetland buffer.
E. 
Parking lot landscaping shall be consistent with the minimum requirements of CMC § 17.84.040.
F. 
Required street setbacks shall be landscaped with any combination of ground cover and/or evergreen plantings. Decorative or ornamental site work (e.g., fountains, statues, walkways, etc.) shall not exceed 50 percent of the setback area.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.72.080 Essential services/utilities.

A. 
Essential services for any proposed development shall be available to serve such development prior to occupancy. Essential services which the city determines cannot be made available prior to such occupancy shall cause the city to deny issuance of all development permits for such development.
B. 
Required utility service (water, sewer, storm water) for any development shall be approved by the public works director prior to issuance of any development permits.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.72.090 Off-site improvements.

Any off-site improvements required by the development engineering standards for the specific development proposal shall become an integral part of the development proposal and shall be reviewed and approved by the DRC as part of the proposal. The public works director may require a separate permit application for work upon a public right-of-way consistent with Chapter 17.93 CMC and/or the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.72.100 Special provisions.

A. 
Any approved development with an occupant load of 50 or more persons, or containing 20 or more residential dwelling units or guest rooms, shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an arterial street within 300 feet of such occupancy, or at an approved location within such development. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards if located upon a public or private right-of-way.
B. 
Conditional Use. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for any development in an I-L zone:
1. 
SEPA categorical exemptions shall not be applicable. All conditional use proposals for development within an I-L zone shall require a SEPA checklist, required application fee and compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 17.15 CMC, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including mitigating conditions.
C. 
Excavation or grading of any development site which involves both:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area; and
2. 
Transportation of any excavated or graded material to any off-site location;
shall require an application to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a surface mining reclamation permit and compliance with any conditions of approval for such permit unless the DNR advises the city in writing that such permit is not required for the subject proposal.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.72.110 Signs.

A. 
All signs shall comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 17.86 CMC, Signs (General), and shall require a sign construction permit unless specifically exempted.
B. 
Address numbers required by CMC § 17.83.090 shall not be considered to be a sign.
C. 
Except where otherwise permitted by special use permit, any signs permitted within these districts shall be on-premises signs.
D. 
Revolving pole or freestanding signs shall not exceed five revolutions per minute.
E. 
Signs attached to the bottom of a marquee, canopy or permanent walkway cover (under-marquee signs) shall not exceed one for each of the business entrances on the premises, with sign area not to exceed six square feet per sign face. Such sign shall be located in front of the business adjacent to the main entrance and shall be located no less than eight feet above the grade of the sidewalk or walkway nearest the sign.
F. 
Freestanding signs shall not exceed 30 feet in height.
G. 
Each single-tenant building shall be permitted one freestanding sign, with a maximum sign area of one square foot for each linear foot of main street frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet.
H. 
Each multi-tenant building shall be permitted one freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of one and one-half square feet for each one foot of linear main street frontage, not to exceed 250 square feet. In addition, a maximum of 25 square feet of directory sign for each tenant shall be allowed, not to exceed 100 square feet per building.
I. 
Each multi-building complex shall be permitted one freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of one and one-half square feet for each one foot of linear main street frontage, not to exceed 250 square feet. In addition, a maximum of 25 square feet of directory sign for each tenant shall be allowed, not to exceed 100 square feet total per complex.
J. 
On a business multi-tenant building, or multi-building complex, with total linear frontage on the main street of more than 300 feet, the business shall be allowed one additional freestanding sign for each 300 linear feet of frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet. Signs shall be placed at least 150 feet apart.
K. 
Tourist-oriented businesses in the immediate area of I-5 may, upon approval of the board, recognizing the general intent and purpose of this chapter, and with such restrictions as the board may deem advisable, have in addition one freestanding sign facing upon the freeway. In exercising this authority, the board of adjustment need not be limited by the specific restrictions set out in this chapter.
L. 
Projecting signs shall not exceed one for each business on the premises, with the sign area not to exceed one square foot for each linear foot of business frontage. Such sign shall not be less than eight feet above grade of the closest sidewalk, nor extend more than eight feet beyond the wall of the building to which it is attached. A projecting sign shall be permitted 16 square feet regardless of building frontage. Such sign shall not extend more than two feet above the roofline parapet or facade of the building and shall be located at least three feet inside the curb line. Businesses located in a multi-building complex or a multi-tenant building may be permitted a projecting sign in lieu of a wall sign.
M. 
Wall signs (painted or other) shall be calculated by two square feet of signage for each one foot of linear lot frontage or business establishment frontage, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of 360 square feet per business. If any business has only a wall sign, it shall be permitted 60 square feet regardless of street or building frontage.
N. 
In a multi-tenant building, any business which has an outside entrance which opens directly to the business shall be allowed a wall sign with an area equal to two square feet per one linear foot of length of the business facade; provided, if the businesses located within the building do not have outside entrances, the total square footage shall be assigned on the basis of two square feet per linear foot of main street frontage, and it shall be the responsibility of the building owner or manager to establish the signage allowed to each business.
O. 
In a multi-building complex, each building shall be allowed wall signage based on the building frontage.
P. 
Marquee signs shall be treated as wall signs.
Q. 
Signs may be erected upon off-street parking lots:
1. 
Wording on the sign shall be limited to the name of the business and may include the words “Customer Parking Only,” and/or “Tow-away” information;
2. 
One such sign not larger than 20 square feet shall be permitted at each entrance;
3. 
A permit shall be required for such signs.
R. 
Additional signs are permitted as follows:
1. 
Directional signs giving directions to motorists regarding the location of parking areas, delivery areas, access drives and accessways shall not exceed six square feet per sign face and shall meet the location requirements of this chapter. Permits are not required.
2. 
Real estate signs shall not exceed one for each street frontage and shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign face and shall not be illuminated. Permits are not required.
3. 
Incidental signs shall be restricted to one per 25 feet of principal street frontage, shall not exceed eight square feet, and no such business shall be allowed more than four such signs. Incidental signs shall include, but are not limited to, gasoline price signs, bank interest signs, and signs advertising a specific product or service. Such signs shall conform to the regulations of this chapter.
4. 
Paper or other temporary signs (including painted signs which can be easily removed by washing) may be affixed or otherwise attached to or displayed within glass display windows of commercial establishments and stores without the requirement of a permit being obtained therefor; provided, however, that no such sign shall exceed 50 percent of the open window space, and shall not exceed a maximum of 75 square feet.
5. 
Credit card (monetary, institutional, and the like) signs, decals, or emblems shall be additionally allowed, but limited to 24 square inches, or an aggregate of 96 square inches per business premises.
6. 
Signs which are permanently painted upon a window surface shall be treated as a wall sign and included in the total allowable sign area.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.72.120 Hazardous waste.

A. 
Hazardous waste generation facilities shall comply with all applicable regulations for such facilities.
B. 
Hazardous waste storage facilities shall comply with all applicable regulations for such facilities.
C. 
Hazardous waste treatment facilities shall not be permitted.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 37, 2025)

§ 17.75.001 Intent.

The intent of the I-H zone is to provide an area for development of general industrial uses and employeerelated accessory uses. Zoning controls will limit such uses to those which would not create a significant adverse impact on the community.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)

§ 17.75.010 Uses.

A. 
Permitted uses in the I-H zone shall be those uses listed as “permitted” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), and in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
B. 
Conditional uses in the I-H zone shall be those uses listed as “conditional” in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title), or in any applicable special district (Division IV of this title).
C. 
Accessory uses and temporary uses listed in CMC § 17.78.020, Use chart adopted, are allowed in an I-H zone if they are consistent with all applicable provisions of this title.
D. 
Uses which are not listed as permitted, accessory, temporary, conditional or prohibited in the I-H zone, and which are not listed as prohibited in any applicable environmental district (Division III of this title) or special district (Division IV of this title), may be submitted as conditional use applications consistent with CMC § 17.09.185. Such applications shall not be approved unless the applicant demonstrates consistency with all applicable review and approval criteria.
E. 
All uses in an I-H zone shall occur, or be contained, within development consistent with CMC § 17.75.020 and all other applicable provisions of this title, including the building and fire codes.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)

§ 17.75.020 Bulk regulations (I-H zone).

Use Category
Min. Zone Size
Min. Lot Size
Min. Lot Frontage
Max. Cover
Max. Height
Minimum Street Setback
Minimum Adj. Lot Setback
Minimum Alley Setback
DU Density Minimum/ Maximum
Permitted
10 acres of contiguous industrial zones
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
100%
100'
None
None
None
0/0 units/acre
Accessory
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
50%
100'
None
None
None
0/0 units/acre
Condition-al
—
—
—
100%
100'
None
None
None
0/0 units/acre
Temporary
—
5,000 sq. ft.
50'
100%
100'
None
None
None
0/0 units/acre
Notes:
A.
Minimum DU density is calculated on the zone; maximum DU density is calculated on the lot.
B.
The administrator may approve zoning setback reductions necessitated by floodway and/or NWI area considerations (see also CMC § 17.24.070 for wetland buffer requirements).
C.
See CMC § 17.03.080(D) for setback criteria for additions to existing buildings.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)

§ 17.75.030 Parking and loading.

All development and uses shall be consistent with the general requirements of Chapter 17.84 CMC.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)

§ 17.75.040 Fences, walls, and hedges.

A. 
Fences within any street setback area shall be limited to:
1. 
Forty-two inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is more than 50 percent opaque;
2. 
Forty-eight inches high above adjacent grade if the fence is 50 percent or less opaque.
B. 
Fences which are not located within any street setback area shall be limited to seven feet high above adjacent grade plus not more than an additional two feet of ornamental, decorative and/or security devices, or fixtures atop a regular fence structure.
C. 
No residential fence shall contain barbed wire, broken glass, electricity, or any other hazardous material or substance.
D. 
Where a legally established use exists requiring the containment of farm animals or livestock, barbed wire or an electric fence may be used; provided, that such fence is set back more than 20 feet from any public right-of-way or public property and more than three feet from any adjacent private property, and warning signs are posted consistent with CMC § 17.51.110.
E. 
Swimming pools shall require a minimum five-foot-high fence, but not more than six feet high, completely surrounding and securing the area of the pool. Such fence shall not be located within any street setback area. Portions of such a fence need not be provided where a secure building will accomplish the same manner of access and/or control as a fence.
F. 
Retaining walls shall be located entirely upon private property except where required by the public works director to protect public property.
G. 
A retaining wall shall not project higher than six inches above the higher adjacent grade except when it is a structural element of a building or structure.
H. 
Retaining walls which are higher than four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall shall comply with applicable provisions of the building code, including permit requirements.
I. 
Retaining walls which serve as a structural element of any building or structure shall comply with the applicable provisions of the building code.
J. 
A hedge shall comply with the requirements for a fence; provided, hedges which are not located within a street setback, and do not otherwise constitute a traffic visibility obstruction on any right-of-way or alley, or any public nuisance condition, are not limited in height.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 961B § 12, 2016; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)

§ 17.75.050 Accessory building.

A. 
All permitted accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 17.75.020.
B. 
An accessory building shall comply with all applicable building code requirements for the permitted use or occupancy.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)

§ 17.75.060 Projections into public right-of-way.

Projections into or over public rights-of-way shall be consistent with the development engineering standards, require approval of the public works director, and compliance with any conditions of approval.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)

§ 17.75.070 Landscape requirements.

A. 
No unprotected earth or soil shall be permitted to remain on site subsequent to construction or development. All filling, grading and/or excavating activity shall comply with applicable provisions of the development engineering standards.
B. 
Landscape irrigation systems shall comply with the development engineering standards for protection of public water supply systems (crossconnection control) and shall be designed so that surface water generated by such an irrigation system shall not flow onto public property or any wetland, except within an approved storm water management system.
C. 
Site development and landscaping shall maintain an approved means of egress as specified in the building code from the primary exit from any habitable structure to a public right-of-way or alley.
D. 
Landscape plantings and/or ground cover may be of any type to prevent erosion of soil from the site; provided, only naturally occurring and/or noninvasive species of vegetation may be planted or allowed to grow within a wetland or wetland buffer.
E. 
Parking lot landscaping shall be consistent with the minimum requirements of CMC § 17.84.040.
F. 
Required street setbacks shall be landscaped with any combination of ground cover and/or evergreen plantings. Decorative or ornamental site work (e.g., fountains, statues, walkways, etc.) shall not exceed 50 percent of the setback area.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)

§ 17.75.080 Essential services/utilities.

A. 
Essential services for any proposed development shall be available to serve such development prior to occupancy. Essential services which the city determines cannot be made available prior to such occupancy shall cause the city to deny issuance of all development permits for such development.
B. 
Required utility service (water, sewer, storm water) for any development shall be approved by the public works director prior to issuance of any development permits.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)

§ 17.75.090 Off-site improvements.

Any off-site improvements required by the development engineering standards for the specific development proposal shall become an integral part of the development proposal and shall be reviewed and approved by the DRC as part of the proposal. The public works director may require a separate permit application for work upon a public right-of-way consistent with Chapter 17.93 CMC and/or the development engineering standards.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)

§ 17.75.100 Special provisions.

A. 
Any approved development with an occupant load of 50 or more persons, or containing 20 or more residential dwelling units or guest rooms, shall provide an approved transit/bus stop on an arterial street within 300 feet of such occupancy, or at an approved location within such development. Such stop shall be consistent with the applicable requirements of the development engineering standards if located upon a public or private right-of-way.
B. 
Conditional Use. The following criteria shall be used, in addition to all other applicable criteria, in considering a conditional use permit application for any development in an I-H zone:
1. 
SEPA categorical exemptions shall not be applicable. All conditional use proposals for development within an I-H zone shall require a SEPA checklist, required application fee and compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 17.15 CMC, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including mitigating conditions.
C. 
Excavation or grading of any development site which involves both:
1. 
More than three acres of disturbed area; and
2. 
Transportation of any excavated or graded material to any off-site location;
shall require an application to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a surface mining reclamation permit and compliance with any conditions of approval for such permit unless the DNR advises the city in writing that such permit is not required for the subject proposal.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 819B § 13, 2007; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)

§ 17.75.110 Signs.

A. 
All signs shall comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 17.86 CMC, Signs (General), and shall require a sign construction permit unless specifically exempted.
B. 
Address numbers required by CMC § 17.83.090 shall not be considered to be a sign.
C. 
Except where otherwise permitted by special use permit, any signs permitted within these districts shall be on-premises signs.
D. 
Revolving pole or freestanding signs shall not exceed five revolutions per minute.
E. 
Signs attached to the bottom of a marquee, canopy or permanent walkway cover (under-marquee signs) shall not exceed one for each of the business entrances on the premises, with sign area not to exceed six square feet per sign face. Such sign shall be located in front of the business adjacent to the main entrance and shall be located no less than eight feet above the grade of the sidewalk or walkway nearest the sign.
F. 
Freestanding signs shall not exceed 30 feet in height.
G. 
Each single-tenant building shall be permitted one freestanding sign, with a maximum sign area of one square foot for each linear foot of main street frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet.
H. 
Each multi-tenant building shall be permitted one freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of one and one-half square feet for each one foot of linear main street frontage, not to exceed 250 square feet. In addition, a maximum of 25 square feet of directory sign for each tenant shall be allowed, not to exceed 100 square feet per building.
I. 
Each multi-building complex shall be permitted one freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of one and one-half square feet for each one foot of linear main street frontage, not to exceed 250 square feet. In addition, a maximum of 25 square feet of directory sign for each tenant shall be allowed, not to exceed 100 square feet total per complex.
J. 
On a business multi-tenant building, or multi-building complex, with total linear frontage on the main street of more than 300 feet, the business shall be allowed one additional freestanding sign for each 300 linear feet of frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet. Signs shall be placed at least 150 feet apart.
K. 
Tourist-oriented businesses in the immediate area of I-5 may, upon approval of the board, recognizing the general intent and purpose of this chapter, and with such restrictions as the board may deem advisable, have in addition one freestanding sign facing upon the freeway. In exercising this authority, the board of adjustment need not be limited by the specific restrictions set out in this chapter.
L. 
Projecting signs shall not exceed one for each business on the premises, with the sign area not to exceed one square foot for each linear foot of business frontage. Such sign shall not be less than eight feet above grade of the closest sidewalk, nor extend more than eight feet beyond the wall of the building to which it is attached. A projecting sign shall be permitted 16 square feet regardless of building frontage. Such sign shall not extend more than two feet above the roofline, parapet or facade of the building and shall be located at least three feet inside the curb line. Businesses located in a multi-building complex or a multi-tenant building may be permitted a projecting sign in lieu of a wall sign.
M. 
Wall signs (painted or other) shall be calculated by two square feet of signage for each one foot of linear lot frontage or business establishment frontage, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of 360 square feet per business. If any business has only a wall sign, it shall be permitted 60 square feet regardless of street or building frontage.
N. 
In a multi-tenant building, any business which has an outside entrance which opens directly to the business shall be allowed a wall sign with an area equal to two square feet per one linear foot of length of the business facade; provided, if the businesses located within the building do not have outside entrances, the total square footage shall be assigned on the basis of two square feet per linear foot of main street frontage, and it shall be the responsibility of the building owner or manager to establish the signage allowed to each business.
O. 
In a multi-building complex, each building shall be allowed wall signage based on the building frontage.
P. 
Marquee signs shall be treated as wall signs.
Q. 
Signs may be erected upon off-street parking lots:
1. 
Wording on the sign shall be limited to the name of the business and may include the words “Customer Parking Only,” and/or “Tow-away” information;
2. 
One such sign not larger than 20 square feet shall be permitted at each entrance;
3. 
A permit shall be required for such signs.
R. 
Additional signs are permitted as follows:
1. 
Directional signs giving directions to motorists regarding the location of parking areas, delivery areas, access drives and accessways shall not exceed six square feet per sign face and shall meet the location requirements of this chapter. Permits are not required.
2. 
Real estate signs shall not exceed one for each street frontage and shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign face and shall not be illuminated. Permits are not required.
3. 
Incidental signs shall be restricted to one per 25 feet of principal street frontage, shall not exceed eight square feet, and no such business shall be allowed more than four such signs. Incidental signs shall include, but are not limited to, gasoline price signs, bank interest signs, and signs advertising a specific product or service. Such signs shall conform to the regulations of this chapter.
4. 
Paper or other temporary signs (including painted signs which can be easily removed by washing) may be affixed or otherwise attached to or displayed within glass display windows of commercial establishments and stores without the requirement of a permit being obtained therefor; provided, however, that no such sign shall exceed 50 percent of the open window space, and shall not exceed a maximum of 75 square feet.
5. 
Credit card (monetary, institutional, and the like) signs, decals, or emblems shall be additionally allowed, but limited to 24 square inches, or an aggregate of 96 square inches per business premises.
6. 
Signs which are permanently painted upon a window surface shall be treated as a wall sign and included in the total allowable sign area.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)

§ 17.75.120 Hazardous waste.

A. 
Hazardous waste generation facilities shall comply with all applicable regulations for such facilities.
B. 
Hazardous waste storage facilities shall comply with all applicable regulations for such facilities.
C. 
Hazardous waste treatment facilities shall comply with all applicable regulations for such facilities.
(Ord. 720B § 1, 2002; Ord. 1122B § 38, 2025)